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Posted by TexIndigo Gal on February 17, 2003 at 19:59:10:
In Reply to: Are herps really animals? posted by anuraanman on February 16, 2003 at 15:49:36:
A woman brought her son in to the library. Sonny was assigned to write an essay about an animal of his choice; he chose snakes. Mom could not be convinced the snake was an animal. She seemed to equate mammal with animal, and if it wan't a mammal, as far as she was concerned, it wasn't an animal (my conclusion).
I think it's a statement about basic biological literacy. And it is less funny than it is sad, bordering on frightening.
B
:A couple of years ago I was having a late night conversation with my really good friend from NYC. This person was definatly a city person and really didn't keep up on his knowledge of animals. During the conversation it came up that I mentioned lizards. I can't remember how the next part of the conversation got started but the next thing I know we are having this huge debate on whether or not lizards are animals. I tried for ever to convince him that lizards, and all herps are indeed animals but he wouldn't have it. So I asked him, "ok then, if a lizard isn't an animal then what is it, a plant?" He replies, "It's a lizard, a reptile, and reptiles aren't animals, they're reptiles!" I soon came to learn that his idea of an animal meant having either fur or feathers. I can't remember where he placed fish on a dicotymous key but I just thought I'd share the experience.
:Oh, the debate ended when he tried turning the tables and pretending that I was the one who didn't think they were animals and he was the one that thought herps were. A little frustrating but I let him continue to think what he wanted. His main argument was that "God didn't intend for reptiles to be animals." I don't know if that's true but I can say this, sometimes Christians can be stubborn. No offence, I myself used to be very Christian.
:Kiley Briggs
