Non-predatory evolution

Many of the intelligent species on Earth, including us humans, are predatory. One of the reasons for this is the nutrient content of meat; a pound of meat is very calorie and nutrient rich especially compared to a pound of plant material.

One of the reasons humans have been able to be so crafty is from these predatory features:

• Flexibility to run, climb, and swim (and endurance)
• Omnivorous
• Eyes facing forward
• Opposable thumbs
• etc

My question is: How can a species evolve to levels of intelligence where they become capable of space travel while not being a natural predator? Such a species would have characteristics of prey, such as (but not limited to) outward pointing eyes, being herbivores, and with natural predators.

NOTE: I'm curious about how the species could evolve into human-like intelligence, but since classifying intelligence is tricky, I've used space-travel technology instead.

EDIT: Posthumously, I think my question might be too vague; so I'll specifically ask about food supply (since I mentioned it before): What could such a species eat to allow them the necessary nutrients while still being able to invent technologies and use tools?

posted almost 9 years ago

Leon‭

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