The Desert’s Biggest Trickster!
Lesson Express
Q: How does the relationship between the drongo and the meerkats show teamwork, even though the drongo sometimes tricks them?
A: The drongo helps the meerkats by giving real warnings about predators, which keeps them safe. In return, the drongo benefits from the meerkats finding food. Their relationship shows that animals can cooperate and survive together, even if it’s not always perfect.
Q: What might happen to the balance of the Kalahari ecosystem if either the meerkats or drongo birds disappeared?
A: If the meerkats disappeared, the drongo birds might struggle to find food in the winter. If the drongos disappeared, the meerkats would lose an important ally who warns them about predators, which could make them more vulnerable to attacks.
Q: Why do you think the meerkats eventually recognize when the drongo’s warnings are fake? What does this say about how animals learn?
A: The meerkats learn to recognize fake warnings by observing patterns — if nothing dangerous happens after a warning, they start to realize it might be a trick. This shows that animals can adapt and learn based on their experiences.