Hierarchy

Question 1

Hierarchy

Answer 1

When a species lives in groups, resources tend to not be shared ‘fairly’. Hierarchies rank the individuals in a group, if an individual is of higher rank, they will be dominant to the lower ranks and will have the best access to the food, water, and mates available to the group.

Question 2

Alpha/Beta

Answer 2

The alpha is the highest-ranking individual in a hierarchy, and the beta is the second-highest-ranking individual.

Question 3

Agonistic Behavior

Answer 3

This is a mechanism used by animals that reduces aggression and the chance of injury. Its where animals of the same species use displays of dominance and submissiveness to avoid conflict.

Question 4

Dominance

Answer 4

This is the aggressive/agonistic behavior that a higher-ranking individual would exhibit toward individuals of lower rank.

Question 5

Submissiveness

Answer 5

This is the behavior that a lower-ranking individual would exhibit toward individuals of higher rank, often involving appeasement of higher ranks in order to avoid injury.