Social hierarchy
A wolf showing aggressive behaviour to assert its dominance
Social hierarchy is a system which organises individuals into an order of rank. An individual of higher rank dominates and carries out ritualistic (threat) displays. For example a wolf will show express dominance through:
- high body and tail position
- curled lips and bared teeth
- fixed stare
- upright ears pointing forward
Subordinate wolf showing submissive posture towards dominant wolf by crouching, ears flat and tail tucked between legs
Subordinate individuals carry out appeasement behaviours to reduce conflict. For example, a wolf will express submission through:
- lowered body position
- tail tucked under body
- ears flattened and held back
- head and eyes tilted downwards
This type of system increases a species' chance of survival because:
- fighting and injury is kept to a minimum
- energy is not wasted by fighting
- experienced leadership is guaranteed
- the most powerful animals are most likely to pass on their favourable genes to the next generation
- animals often form alliances in a social hierarchy to increase their social status within the group.