In a message dated 6/18/1999 2:10:39 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
<< I find this odd, since aside from
 cruely, it does not seem to benefit the species.
  >>
Just to clarify this awful behavior:  The cubs are only killed when a new
lion takes over a pride.  The cubs are obviously not his, and when the cubs
are removed, the female becomes receptive to the new leader and bears his
progeny.  The benefit is to the new dominant male, who gets a chance to pass
his genes on to new generations.  As to whether this benefits any others,
hard to say.  Probably doesn't even cross his mind :}

Holly