These Males Are Cheating Animals

We think our own relationships are wrought with lies and intrigues, but this is nothing compared to the lengths animals will go to in their efforts to pass on their genes to the next generation.

“The battle of the sexes is really ingrained in much of animal mating behavior,” says Karim Vahed, an entomologist from the University of Derby whose work focuses on sexual conflict. “The evolutionary interests of males and females over many decisions—like how often to mate, when to mate, who fertilizes the eggs—are often in conflict.”

As a result, the process of sperm fertilizing egg has led to some incredible examples of exploitation, manipulation, and deception. From the birds to the banana fiddler crabs, here are the great tricksters of sex.

Size Matters

If you look up at in Walt Disney World, the iconic pink and blue-capped building will seem much larger than it actually is. The bricks, spires, and windows get smaller the higher up they are, tricking your brain into thinking that they are farther away. Such examples of “forced perspective” are