Q&A
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Why do so few birds bear weapons?
STUART BLACKMAN ANSWERS
Birds lack arms in more ways than one. Avian equivalents of antlers, horns, tusks and canine teeth are few and far between – only about two per cent of our feathered friends possess specialised weapons in the form of spurs on their legs and wings. If push comes to shove, claws and beaks are capable of inflicting some damage, but these are built primarily for other purposes.
It’s probably no coincidence that most of the species that do pack dedicated weaponry are ground-feeding fowl – turkeys, chickens, pheasants, peacocks and the like – which don’t fly much, or indeed at all.
For flying animals, weight is critical. A small reduction in payload can save a great deal of energy. Weapons are heavy, so it might be quite literally a matter of fight or flight. Little surprise then that birds tend to settle disputes with displays of colour and song rather than direct combat.
Why do spiders have eight eyes?
RICHARD JONES ANSWERS
Though a few spiders have six eyes, the default
