Evolution In Progress: A Deer Population Turns Predator

Scottish Deer are Culrpits in Bird KillingsRed deer on the Scottish island of Rum may be eating the heads and legs of live seabird chicks as a way to get minerals they need to grow their antlers. Scientists believe this surprising addition to the red deer's diet stems from mineral deficiencies in the vegetation they eat. By munching on Manx shearwater chicks, the deer are able to get the extra calcium they need. If a deer - probably one of the most stereotypical herbivores - can start turning to preying on bird chicks when given the right natural selection factors, what more do you need? Now that they're killing and eating animals, it would appear that they now will have selective factors toward getting better at it, and toward having a stomach that can digest meat better.------------------
"Illuminant light,
illuminate me."[This message has been edited by Rei, 12-04-2003]

I already knew deer were predators. I saw it on the Simpsons just the other day, when they tried to eat Lisa during her cross-country ski run. Get with the times!