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[Pescado]

Lemmings don't actually jump off cliffs, they actually simply fall off because of the pushing of too many crowds of lemmings. It IS, however, an overpopulation reaction, as when there are too many lemmings, they decide to migrate, like coconuts, only lemmings do so in hordes (as opposed to being carried by African swallows). At some point they reach a cliff, and decide to stop, but the lemmings behind them can't see this cliff, so push them over.

[Darqstar]

Lemmings don't actually jump off cliffs, they actually simply fall off because of the pushing of too many crowds of lemmings. It IS, however, an overpopulation reaction, as when there are too many lemmings, they decide to migrate, like coconuts, only lemmings do so in hordes (as opposed to being carried by African swallows). At some point they reach a cliff, and decide to stop, but the lemmings behind them can't see this cliff, so push them over.

Exactly.  Mass migration is a smart move when the area is getting played out, send a bunch to a new area, or have everyone go to a new area that isn't played out.  Having a "Who can jump off a cliff to their death faster!" contest isn't.  While it may get rid of the stupidest ones, it also gets rid of the strongest and fastest ones as well.

Dying for some, on the way to the new place, is acceptable in most circumstances.  As long as the new place has a good mix of breeding capable males and females, repopulation will happen.  As well as mishaps, if the journey is long and difficult, some of the weaker will die out too.  Again, from an evolutionary standpoint, it's a win-win, because that means less of a population that needs to be cared for mucking about in a new area, and also keeps some of the weaker out of the breeding pool. 

[Pescado]

The point remains that lemmings are not the brightest creatures out there. While they're not suicidal, this particular form of mishap IS something they essentially cause as a result of herd mentality.

[siberiansunset]

Wow! I had no idea lemmings could spark such conversation

The point remains that lemmings are not the brightest creatures out there. While they're not suicidal, this particular form of mishap IS something they essentially cause as a result of herd mentality.

If you go by this than it seems to me TSR are the "new" lemmings. 

[oolongteadrinker]

Wow! I had no idea lemmings could spark such conversation

The point remains that lemmings are not the brightest creatures out there. While they're not suicidal, this particular form of mishap IS something they essentially cause as a result of herd mentality.

If you go by this than it seems to me TSR are the "new" lemmings. 

No! Then I'd be hard pressed not to feel some sort of pity for them

[Darqstar]

The point remains that lemmings are not the brightest creatures out there. While they're not suicidal, this particular form of mishap IS something they essentially cause as a result of herd mentality.

I would agree the herd mentality isn't very smart, but not all evolutionary moves are smart, it mostly comes down to "Will the species be able to go on with this."  Improvements are always good, but not everything is an improvement.  Or, sometimes something was an improvement and now is no longer an improvement, but it's also not enough of a disability/liability to cause the species to die out.  I don't know what dangers lemmings face where they are, but I would imagine when the herd behavior started, there was probably a good reason.  Most likely a Lemming stamped helped get through an enemy territory  "Sure, you may want to eat us, but we'll just mow you over by sheer mass!"   Even if some were killed and eaten by enemies, the sheer volume factor would make sure everyone wasn't killed.  Same with the cliffs.  If they had to get near cliffs and some fell because of the whole "herd" thing, then obviously the sacrifice of lemmings is acceptable and they're still able to thrive.

I haven't done much research into Lemmings, but some types seem to be on the endangered list, but this doesn't seem to be because of mass migration, it seems more likely that we humans are invading their turf.  

[Paden]

T$R are the predators that chase the herd off of the cliffs and eat those that can't out run them.

[dragonballz]

Oh for the love of all that is holy...PLEASE tell me that is not an honest-to-goodness real-life piccie of The Twat. My eyes are bleeding. I see now that I must change the comic...I made her backside too lovely to illustrate such a hideous...uggggh. I am struggling for words right now, so will turn to quoting the illustrious "Westley" (brought to Eighties-eye-candy life by Carey Elwes) "Dear God, what is that THING?!"

Oh yeah...and whoever suggested the "group portrait"...ding-ding, we have a winner! I'm chortling with much mirth and glee over how much fun that will be to do. 

[Eskimo Pie]

Lemmings are not very bright but they are rather tasty !

[Tabby]

I'll give a hearty OM NOM NOM to 80's Carey Elwes! 

 

[Immortelle]

Hmmm yes.  I remember lemmings well.  A great game. I used to like trapping them by putting a blocker lemming at either side, waiting for them all to fall through and then nuking the lot of them.  They'd wipe out entire hills with their explosions.  Guarranteed fun and hilarity for all.  (The sound of that 'Oh no!' then 'pop' is echoing in my mind )

[oolongteadrinker]

I'll give a hearty OM NOM NOM to 80's Carey Elwes! 

 

Heartily seconded!

[siberiansunset]

 

[karu]

Coconut is pure win   


http://tsr.mustbedestroyed.org/?page_id=358



Not so gone...

[siberiansunset]

  Man Coconut totally PWNS their ASS! (yet again!) Thanks karu for alerting me to the new entry!

 *passes celebration rum* 

ETA: *gone* sorry for that-in all fairness to her (yes...) it does look made up.