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Listen to part of a lecture in a biology class. The professor is discussing the behavior of certain birds. Professor: Now, let’s talk about a fascinating behavior among birds called mobbing. Mobbing occurs when smaller birds collectively attack or harass a larger predator, such as an owl or a hawk. At first glance, this seems risky—why would a small bird put itself in danger? Well, research suggests that mobbing serves several purposes. First, it can drive the predator away from the area, especially if the predator is not actively hunting. Second, it alerts other birds in the vicinity to the presence of danger, which increases their chances of survival. However, there’s a cost. Mobbing attracts attention, and sometimes the predator may turn and capture one of the mobbing birds. Interestingly, studies have shown that birds are more likely to join a mobbing event if they have previously encountered the same predator. This suggests that mobbing may rely on individual recognition and memory. So, while mobbing appears altruistic, it might actually be a selfish strategy to protect oneself and one’s territory.