Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Proof That Nature Hates A Fraud

Posted by timothy on from the type-r-sticker dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Scientists have known for years that insects and animals use distinct markings as status badges. Now, by staging wasp fights, researchers have learned that cheaters never win. Wimpy wasps painted with the markings reserved for a leader get beat up. Even if the fakes win, they still get harassed afterward. The study leader likened it to what might happen to a 97-pound weakling who walks around wearing a black belt. Sooner or later ..."

4 of 84 comments (clear)

  1. Star bellied sneeches had bellies with stars by Col.+Klink+(retired) · · Score: 4, Funny

    ...but the plain bellied sneeches had none upon thars.

    --

    -- Don't Tase me, bro!

  2. This is idiotic by itwerx · · Score: 4, Insightful

    The whole premise of this article is silly. They're assuming that A - those markings are the only signals and B - that they can reproduce them well enough to fool the other wasps.
    Hello?!? McWasp?!? (Er, McFly!)

  3. Re:weakling by fourtwo · · Score: 5, Funny

    But now that this news is out there, maybe a real blackbelt will wear his belt to advertise the fact that he is not a fraud. Then when he is attacked by someone who assumes that he is a weakling impersonating a blackbelt impersonating a weakling impersonating a blackbelt, he can use his new method of defense, "misunderestimation."

  4. The ultimate zoology nerd prank... by iamlucky13 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Putting "kick me" signs on animals backs.