Three canid taxonomists walk into a bar, and they sit at a table. They are all friends United by a common interest… but sometimes things can go to pot.
One taxonomist recalls, ‘I was doing a study recently of pathogens within different species of canid!’
“I was doing a study into the populations of different species in the family.”
“I was looking into their reproductive strategies.”
And so all is well, until one asks -
“Say, which species did you use in your study?”
“The only two species native to North America - Canis latrans and Canis lupus.”
“No, no - Canis lycaon and Canis rufus are also native to North America!”
“Canis rufus? You mean Canis lupus rufus, yes?”
“No, you mean Canis latrans EX Canis lupus, yes?”
“There is no Canis lycaon!”
“My opinion overrides yours!”
And so before long a scuffle breaks out between the three taxonomists who can’t seem to agree on anything. Their brawl is so intense it can be heard throughout the whole town - when a friend of theirs, a feline taxonomist, decides to check in on them.
To her surprise, the band of canid taxonomists has all quietened down. One even says to the others, “I agree with your opinion.” One replies, “me too, brother!”
All is well again - until suddenly security arrive!
“I need all of you out of here.”
“But what did we do wrong?” One of them asks.
“You have drunk far too much within a far too short period of time!”
The feline taxonomist retorts, “whatever makes them agree with each other…”