One of the most versatile avian predators is the arctic skua, also known as the parasitic jaeger, a small but aggressive seabird. Like most carnivores, it is an adept hunter; also like most carnivores, it is not afraid to steal a kill. What makes it especially reputable is a specific and colorful feeding strategy: it harasses other seabirds until they vomit, then catches the jettisoned puke in midair. All’s fair in nature—the animal is doing what it evolved to do—but we would consider this antisocial in humans. If someone went around deliberately sickening other people, consuming the resummoned breakfasts for his own sustenance, we would probably want that person kept out of our vicinity.
This is really superlative work. Especially enjoyed the discussions of pre-modern harem dynamics.
One harem queen in particular, the Empress Dowager Cixi, deeply influenced the modern era by causing the stagnation of the Qing Dynasty and its overthrow shortly after her death. Her insistence on holding onto power came at significant cost for both China and the rest of the world. (A strong Qing Empire that avoided the Century of Humiliation might have been able to resist the British and arrest industrial capitalism.)
Also personally enjoyed this bit - "At the same time, human life is (or, at least, can be) long. A young man who is fit but holds low status might have better odds if he waits a few years, for high-status competitors to weaken, sicken, or lose favor. Older rivals will wither and die." I find it quite relatable, hahaha.
This is really superlative work. Especially enjoyed the discussions of pre-modern harem dynamics.
One harem queen in particular, the Empress Dowager Cixi, deeply influenced the modern era by causing the stagnation of the Qing Dynasty and its overthrow shortly after her death. Her insistence on holding onto power came at significant cost for both China and the rest of the world. (A strong Qing Empire that avoided the Century of Humiliation might have been able to resist the British and arrest industrial capitalism.)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empress_Dowager_Cixi
Also personally enjoyed this bit - "At the same time, human life is (or, at least, can be) long. A young man who is fit but holds low status might have better odds if he waits a few years, for high-status competitors to weaken, sicken, or lose favor. Older rivals will wither and die." I find it quite relatable, hahaha.