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Christopher Halliwell

Secondary Education Physics, Mississippi State University

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What is the advantage of evolving the ability to cry?

Is it simply a result of evolving the ability for complex emotions?

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    pat gilbert 50+

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    Mar 21 2013: Mostly it is a tool used by women and children to gain something. Once in a blue moon it actually is a manifestation of grief.
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      Colleen Steen 500+

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      Mar 21 2013: My dear Pat,
      Perhaps if we (women) have learned ways of manipulating with the act of crying, it means we are more evolved! LOL:>)
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        pat gilbert 50+

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        Mar 21 2013: I would not argue otherwise, this is no hat rack on my shoulders or at least some of the time.
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          Colleen Steen 500+

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          Mar 21 2013: OH MY GOODNESS.....I think I'm gonna frame your comment Pat, and cry with joy:>)
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        Pabitra Mukhopadhyay 30+

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        Mar 21 2013: Of course you are! Women can beat men hands down in any survival game and I don't mean in any unfair way. Evolution favors tenacity over brute strength, coping skill over aggression. Women are born managers and negotiators.
        However, I think biologically males are better looking than females. If you look around among higher order animals, males stand out for their beauty and elegance. I have a feeling that is somewhat vain, except for mating purpose.
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          Colleen Steen 500+

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          Mar 21 2013: Pabitra....I agree....agree.....agree.....agree............

          Better looking Pabitra? I'm looking at your photo....guess it depends on what "tribe" one is a members of:>)
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        Pabitra Mukhopadhyay 30+

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        Mar 21 2013: :) Thanks. This is honestly how I feel, no flattery. I wish we could start afresh from the 'tribe' you see in my picture from 4 to 7 million years ago.
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          Colleen Steen 500+

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          Mar 21 2013: I don't think it is possible to go back that far Pabitra my friend. What we CAN do, as individuals, is remember that every day is the first day of the rest of our lives. So, if there is something we would like to change, the time is now:>)
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        Pabitra Mukhopadhyay 30+

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        Mar 21 2013: True. What I am changing now is the necessity. It's a brief sojourn so I shall travel light.
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          Colleen Steen 500+

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          Mar 21 2013: Dear Pabitra,
          I have discovered that the life journey is more enjoyable when we "travel light":>)
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      Anna Kazcorowska 10+

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      Mar 22 2013: Dear Pat,

      Men cry too and when they actually do that and show their emotions they also tend to attract women. I don't know any child, girl or dame who would say "I saw him crying, that means he's weak and manipulative." Doesn't seem too plausible. Manifestation of grief? For a child not getting a candy may lead to grief. For a woman not getting a hug may lead to grief. Please define grief :)

      And tears are used by males in other species as well. When males in some species of rodents (I don't remember which ones, sorry) put their own tears on their fur they attract the females who become more likely to get into the state of "lordosis" around them - the position in which a female rodent lifts her tail and is ready to mate.

      So - tears have a role in evolution :) In alienation - getting rid of surplus emotions. Among others in the tribe - getting rid of surplus emotions and sometimes getting something. Or not getting anything and being called weak and manipulative :) And with less evolved beings - getting a sexual partner.

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