EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -cannibalism, in zoology, the eating of any animal by another member of the same species. Cannibalism frequently serves as a mechanism to control population or to ensure the genetic contribution of an individual. In certain ants, injured immatures are regularly consumed.

Detailed explanation-2: -Species that engage in filial cannibalism include leopards, African lions, Tonkean macaques, and many fish species. This form of cannibalism can also happen much earlier, when the offspring are still eggs. Egg cannibalism can be easy, nourishing, and requires little effort.

Detailed explanation-3: -Cannibalism – the act of eating an individual of the same species as food – is often not a good idea, and not just because of our own human morals. It can lead to the spread of some very nasty diseases, as well as the evolutionary cost of potentially eating your own kin. However, it is not as rare as you might think.

Detailed explanation-4: -The term cannibal, defined as eating one’s own kind, is a legacy of Columbus’ encounter in 1492 with the Caribs of the Antilles, said to have been consumers of human flesh.

Detailed explanation-5: -There are different types of cannibalism; ritualistic, sacrificial, and survival cannibalism.