The animal in us seldom takes the upper hand but when it does, the fur can fly.

Take, for instance, when someone pushes to the head of a queue. That is an animal survival instinct.

If you get there first, you are assured of the biggest share.

Dislodging an old lady from her rightful place at the head of a queue is fair game when the animal in you takes over.

Tailgating on the motorway to keep out the so-and-sos who are high-tailing down the restricted lane to get through the roadworks before you is a classic example of a double jeopardy animal instinct.

When a petrol shortage rears it ugly head, so does the animal. Only the thought of an expensive bump keeps many of us in the pen.

Thank goodness for the numbered tickets issued at supermarket butchers' counters, enabling you to keep your place in the queue.

If you have no ticket, you aren't served with your piece of animal.

-Rowland King, The Hooks, Henfield