Dominance hierarchy: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 18:37, 15 August 2024

Revision as of 18:38, 15 August 2024

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[[File:Mandrillus sphinx (alpha male).jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|A high-ranking male [[mandrill]] advertises his status with bright facial coloration.<ref name="LeighSetchell2008">{{cite journal |last1=Leigh |first1=Steven R. |last2=Setchell |first2=Joanna M. |last3=Charpentier |first3=Marie |last4=Knapp |first4=Leslie A. |last5=Wickings |first5=E. Jean |display-authors=3 |title=Canine tooth size and fitness in male mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) |journal=Journal of Human Evolution |volume=55 |issue=1 |year=2008 |pages=75–85 |doi=10.1016/j.jhevol.2008.01.001 |pmid=18472142 }}</ref>]]

In the [[zoological]] field of [[ethology]], a '''dominance hierarchy''' (formerly and colloquially called a '''pecking order''') is a type of social [[hierarchy]] that arises when members of animal [[social animal|social groups]] interact, creating a ranking system. A [[Hierarchy|dominant]] higher-ranking individual is sometimes called an '''alpha''',<!--redirects here--> and a submissive lower-ranking individual <!-- is sometimes termed--> is called a '''beta'''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=peak |first=Esteem |date=2024-07-28 |title=Beta Male Personality: Understanding the Traits and Characteristics |url=https://esteempeak.com/beta-male-personality-understanding-the-traits-and-characteristics/ |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=Esteempeak |language=en-US}}</ref><!--Please don't put anything here that isn't already cited in the article, thanks!--> Different types of interactions can result in dominance depending on the species, including ritualized displays of aggression or direct physical violence.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia | vauthors = Yeh J | title = Dominance Hierarchy | url = https://www.encyclopedia.com/science-and-technology/biology-and-genetics/biology-general/dominance-hierarchy | encyclopedia = Encyclopedia.com | date = 11 June 2018 }}</ref>{{better source needed|reason=webite, tertiary source, no author|date=December 2022}} In social living groups, members are likely to compete for access to limited resources and [[mating]] opportunities. Rather than fighting each time they meet, individuals of the same sex establish a relative rank, with higher-ranking individuals often gaining more access to resources and mates. Based on repetitive interactions, a social order is created that is subject to change each time a dominant animal is challenged by a subordinate one.

== Definitions ==