LESSONS FROM NATURE

LESSONS FROM NATURE For Conflict Avoidance S OME animals roam about in search of fodder; others in search of their mates. Some busily run around building their houses. Some hunt for food for their babies. While engaged in these and other such tasks, they may suddenly confront an enemy. If they enter into a fight with them, the work that they had set out to do would be completely disrupted. That is why all animals abstain from direct confrontation with their enemies, unless they find themselves in a situation where they feel absolutely compelled to do so. In order to continue their own constructive work, they simply avoid conflict and move ahead. Animals face two big challenges; finding food, and defending themselves. Animals have enemies in the animal world, and so every animal has to arrange for its protection. The diverse methods that animals use to protect themselves hold great significance for human beings, because these methods are natural methods, bestowed by God. Nature directly teaches these methods to animals. It is as if animals are students who have received this training in the school of nature. Their ways of acting and reacting are lessons that nature has schooled them in. These methods testify to the Creator who made them. Animal defensive behavior is a complete subject of study in itself. This behaviour of animals is used in the act of self-preservation, to avoid falling victim to another animal or predator. The function of this behavior is harm avoidance, and may manifest in several ways, for example: bat hawks and bat falcons protect themselves by staying out of sight. The flat-tailed horned lizard is a good example of using camouflage to the extent that it even eliminates its shadow and blends in with the sorroundings. Moths, butterflies etc. startle the predator and make use of the opportunity to escape. Pursuit deterrent signals is a strategy used The diverse methods of protection that nature has schooled animals in hold important lessons for humans. Animals use this approach to deal with opponents on the basis of instinct. Humans must use the very same approach, but based on conscious choice and awareness.