Predators have been thought to serve prey species by removing the old, sick and maimed. this alleged selective elimination of the weak is central to the dogma of natural selection and evolution. Recent evidence seems to indicate that random selection plays a major role in determining which animal is eaten. Further evidence indicates that at least under certain situations there is a selection against the strong and healthy. Evolutionary (or anti-evolutionary) implications are obvious; and a critical reevaluation of the evidence is needed.