Licks from a Lion
by Ruth Jolly
Title
Licks from a Lion
Artist
Ruth Jolly
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Male Lion the male lions in a pride are easily distinguished through their appearance. Unlike females, they have rich manes. This is more than just a distinguishing physical trait. It seems that male lions with bigger manes tend to attract females more, thereby increasing their chances of being preferred as mating partners.
Although male lions tend to be smaller than female lions, they do eventually reach maturity. When they do become sexually and physically mature, they are characteristically virile. They are able to mate for up to a hundred times within 24 hours. Mating is so important to lions that it is one main reason why they must live in a pride. Of course, lions also form prides because they are sociable and the male lions would likely die if they are unable to join a pride of their own. Aside from the lack of common society, male lions that do not belong to a pride may also die because they become solo targets of other animal aggressors. While it is true that the females are the ones who hunt, male lions are not without a role. They are considered the protectors of the pride and they will step up when there is a threat to the pride or a challenge to their dominance. Despite being known for waiting for their meals to be served, male lions are real fighters. Only the strongest male is allowed to dominate the pride. Other male lions in the pride must leave and look for their own pride or be killed. When a male wishes to be the top cat in the pride, he must fight the current top male member. If he wins, he is allowed to dominate and kill the cubs of the defeated male. Fine Art America watermark will not apper on purchased artwork.
Uploaded
May 2nd, 2013
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