Moochualism

Let me give you a biological scenario. There are 2 species: A and B. Species A is much larger and more intelligent than species B. Species A provides species B with shelter, food, water etc. Species B provides species A with an acknowledgment of Species A's existence from time to time. Without assuming what species A and B represent, which species is getting ripped off here. I would have to go with species A. Unfortunately, in reality that means millions of humans are being ripped off by their pets everyday. Now, regarding pets as parasites is a little severe and also inaccurate. See, when the host willingly parts with it's resources to the benefit of the other organism, that's not parasitism, that's moochualism. By no means am I saying that I will kick my cat Amber onto the curb because she is a mooch. If she can persuade another species to take care of all her basic needs, all the power to her. I'm also not saying that humans are completely inept from an ecological viewpoint. Over the history of humanity, we have altered the first scenario so it is a little bit more fair. There are 2 species: A and B. Species A is more intelligent than species B. Species A provides species B with shelter, food, water etc. Species B provides species A with an acknowledgment of Species A's existence from time to time and ample amounts of protein. Sucks for the cows!