Predator—Prey Models and Contact Considerations

Abstract

Employing ethological models derived from terrestrial predators and prey, I attempt to evaluate the likelihood that an intelligent alien will be beneficent, neutral or hostile. To this end I review what is known about selective pressures for intelligence generally, and for predators and prey particularly. I also review some of the conditions that would promote or inhibit the development of intelligence. After discussing the contributions to intelligence of tool use and spatial behavior, I—in agreement with the majority of evolutionary biologists, psychologists and anthropologists—settle on social behavior as the most potent contributor to the development of higher intelligence. Predators, although well equipped with fierce dispositions, ‘weaponry’ and ‘armor,’ can establish well organized and highly supportive in-groups, such as wolves do. It seems likely that any intelligence that evolves in a social unit will be affected by minimal requirements involved in-group cooperation and cohesion. The result will likely be constraints on agonistic behavior and an ability to engage in cooperative endeavors … within the group. Toward outsiders, the behavior of such organisms may well be far more exploitative. Our own history suggests as much. I conclude with an expression of strong support for the efforts of SETI and others to obtain information about intelligent others. The potential benefits to be gained from this are simply too great to gainsay. However, despite the unlikelihood of actual physical contact, I conclude with a caution about divulging too much information about ourselves.