Dominance hierarchy
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
"Dominance between species defines the nature of the food chain, and may underly the phylogenetic evolution of neural systems that affect dominant and submissive behavior. Those systems include the monoaminergic systems, especially those mediated by the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine, and by polypeptides, especially endorphines." |
Related e |
Featured: |
Dominance hierarchy arises when members of a social group interact, often aggressively, to create a ranking system. In social living groups, members are likely to compete for access to limited resources and mating opportunities. Rather than fight each time they meet, relative relationships are formed between members of the same sex. These repetitive interactions lead to the creation of a social order that is subject to change each time a dominant animal is challenged by a subordinate one.
See also
- Dominance (ethology)
- Sociobiology
- Social organization
- Hypergamy
- Hierarchical organization
- Evolution of intelligence
- Pecking order
Books with this theme