In biology Safety in numbers
the mathematical biologist w.d. hamilton proposed selfish herd theory in 1971 explain why animals seek central positions in group. each individual can reduce own domain of danger situating neighbours around, moves towards centre of group. effect tested in brown fur seal predation great white sharks. using decoy seals, distance between decoys varied produce different domains of danger. seals greater domain of danger had predicted increased risk of shark attack. antipredator adaptations such flocking of birds, herding of sheep, , schooling of fish. similarly, adelie penguins wait jump water until large enough group has assembled, reducing each individual s risk of seal predation.
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