Why is it thought that there are so many carnivores trapped in the La Brea tar pits and so few herbivores?

Answer 1

The La Brea tar pits primarily trapped carnivores due to their hunting behavior, as predators often followed prey into the area, becoming ensnared themselves. Additionally, the tar's sticky surface would have made it difficult for herbivores to access the area, while scavengers and hunters were more likely to venture into the tar pits in search of food. The environment likely favored the preservation of carnivorous species that were drawn to the site, leading to a higher number of carnivores found in the fossil record.