The Struggle of Life 



37 



has to be decided — sometimes by peaceful endeavour, as 

 in migration, sometimes with teeth clenched or ravenous. 

 Many animals are carnivorous, and must prey upon weaker 

 forms, which do their best to resist. Mates also have to 

 be won, and lover may fight with lover till death is stronger 

 than both. But these struggles for food and for mates are 

 often strivings rather than strife, nor is a recognition of the 

 frequent keenness and fierceness of the competition incon- 

 sistent with the recognition of mutual aid, sociability, and 

 love. There is a third form of the struggle, — that between 

 an animal and its changeful surroundings. This also is a 

 struggle without strife. Fellow competitors strive for their 

 share of the limited means of subsistence ; between foes 

 there is incessant thrust and parry ; in the courtship of 

 mates there are many disappointed and worsted suitors ; 

 over all are the shears of fate — a changeful physical 

 environment which has no mercy. 



An analysis of the various forms of struggle may be 

 attempted as follows : 



{a) Between animals of the same kind which 

 compete for similar food and other 

 necessaries of life — Struggle between 

 fellows. 



(i) Between animals of diiferent kinds, the 

 one set striving to devour, the other set 

 endeavouring to escape their foes, e.g. 

 between carnivores and herbivores— 

 Struggle between foes. 



(c) Between the rival suitors for desired 

 mates — Struggle between rivals in 

 love. 



{d) Between animals and changeful surround- 

 ings — Struggle with fate. 



For 

 Food 



For 

 Love 



For 

 Foot- 

 hold 



In most cases, besides the egoism or individualism, one 

 must recognise the existence of altruism, parental love and 

 sacrifice, mutual aid, care for others, and sociality. 



