On 31-7-2013 16:11, Stephen wrote:

> Maybe it is saying to the other,


That may well be true.

>
>
>> This makes me think about how we humans unconsciously (and erroneously)
>> project on animals our own attitudes. The /smiling/ chimp is a good example.
>>
>
> How true, although animals can have emotions similar to ours.
> About the same time that I saw the Komodo dragon (I was working in a zoo). I was
> with a keeper who was feeding Fairy Penguins. I said that they looked
> affectionate but she told me that it was just greed. Wallabies exhibited similar
> behavior, they would let people stroke them hoping for food.

I think that we often misinterpret their emotions into human 
equivalents, except for those basic ones like pain and fear. Like you 
tell, affective behaviour to get food for instance. Cats can gladly give 
you all the affection of the world, but only in fair exchange of safety, 
warmth, food, a welcome lap for a little nap. Not necessarily in that 
order. And they can make you feel stupid too.

Thomas

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