The reason I ask, Malcolm said, is that I'm told large predators such as lions and tigers are not born man-eaters. Isn't that true? These animals must learn somewhere along the way that human beings are easy to kill. Only afterward do they become man-killers. Yes, I believe that's true, Grant said. Well, these dinosaurs must be even more reluctant than lions and tigers. After all, they come from a time before human beings-or even large mammals-existed at all. God knows what they think when they see us. So I wonder: have they learned, somewhere along the line, that humans are easy to kill?
In the conversation between Malcolm and Grant, Malcolm points out that large predators, such as lions and tigers, do not inherently seek to kill humans; instead, they learn that humans are relatively easy prey over time. This observation raises a thought-provoking question about the nature of predation and how certain creatures adapt their instincts to new situations, particularly when they encounter humans.
Grant responds affirmatively, noting that dinosaurs, having existed long before humans and large mammals, would likely have a different perception. He suggests that these ancient creatures may be even more hesitant to view humans as prey since they come from a time when such beings did not exist. This inquiry into the learning process of predators invites speculation about their instincts and responses to humans, as well as their capacity to adapt to a world that has changed dramatically since their time.
