Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: Geezer on 22/02/2012 05:01:47

Title: Why do we dump and run?
Post by: Geezer on 22/02/2012 05:01:47
I have heard from many reliable sources, among them Sheepy, who happens to be an authority on this subject, that humans under extreme duress (as, for example, when a bear charges) will actually doo an involuntary dumperoonie.

What is the evolutionary advantage of so dooing? Does it have to do with weight, or is there an olfactory connection?
Title: Re: Why do we dump and run?
Post by: RD on 22/02/2012 05:44:14
It's part of that fight-or-flight reflex (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fight-or-flight_response) thing which includes pee, puke and dump.

It would be slightly advantageous to have jettisoned all cargo if you were about to run for your life, (just ask Paula Radcliffe (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/athletics/4454315.stm)).
Title: Re: Why do we dump and run?
Post by: Geezer on 22/02/2012 06:48:01
Appropriately enough, Paula appears to be holding up a trophy inscribed with the word "Flora".
Title: Re: Why do we dump and run?
Post by: Don_1 on 22/02/2012 08:01:56
Quote from: Geezer on 22/02/2012 06:48:01
Appropriately enough, Paula appears to be holding up a trophy inscribed with the word "Flora".

Well, she did supply the local flora with some fartiliser fertiliser, for which they wished to show their gratitude.
Title: Re: Why do we dump and run?
Post by: Don_1 on 22/02/2012 08:07:54
Its not uncommon for burglars to leave a receipt for property nicked from innocent folk. Not only do loose your TV, but you have to clear up a dump left in its stead!
Title: Re: Why do we dump and run?
Post by: neilep on 22/02/2012 10:13:29
Quote from: Geezer on 22/02/2012 05:01:47
I have heard from many reliable sources, among them Sheepy, who happens to be an authority on this subject, that humans under extreme duress (as, for example, when a bear charges) will actually doo an involuntary dumperoonie.

What is the evolutionary advantage of so dooing? Does it have to do with weight, or is there an olfactory connection?

I said hump then dump ! .......Actually....when confronted with wifeys cooking I can confirm the olfactory connection !
Title: Re: Why do we dump and run?
Post by: neilep on 22/02/2012 10:15:19
Quote from: Don_1 on 22/02/2012 08:07:54
Its not uncommon for burglars to leave a receipt for property nicked from innocent folk. Not only do loose your TV, but you have to clear up a dump left in its stead!

That's nice !....leaving all that DNA (latin: DoNatum Arsum)
Title: Re: Why do we dump and run?
Post by: RD on 22/02/2012 15:26:01
Quote from: Don_1 on 22/02/2012 08:07:54
Its not uncommon for burglars to leave a receipt for property nicked from innocent folk. Not only do loose your TV, but you have to clear up a dump left in its stead!

That's more like territorial marking:  if it was fear-induced they could have used the loo rather than crapping on the carpet. 

As a DNA profile could be obtained from the aforementioned crap, then any housebreaker doing that must have a scatological compulsion (http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/Ocala-Police-Seek-Serial-School-Pooper--131359518.html) : if they just wanted to steal stuff and get away with it defecating at the scene is a bad idea.