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As the simulation shows, scorpions do better if they run away rather than confronting the predator. Scorpions are actually very fast and can often get away if they run.

How do scorpions decide which strategy to use? Many animals are capable of learning by experience; however, behavior can also be shaped by natural selection over time.

If we assume that the two contrasting behaviors, running versus fighting, are genetically based, natural selection would affect the prevalence of the two types in a population over time... This movie shows the results of 10 encounters between runners and predators, and 10 encounters between fighters and predators.

Use the buttons below to start the animation. The animation will loop continuously. If you can't or don't want to view the animation, there is a version of this page without animation.