Dominance (ethology) Facts for Kids

Dominance in animals means that one animal, or a small group, has a high social status. Because of this status, these animals often get better access to important things like food, mates, or safe places to live. Dominance is always linked to the relationship between two or more animals. One animal has a higher social rank than another. This creates a kind of "pecking order" within a group.

What is Dominance in Animals?
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What is Dominance in Animals?

Dominance is a key part of how many animal groups are organized. It describes a social ranking where some animals are "in charge" or have more power than others. This power isn't about being mean, but about who gets priority for resources. It helps keep order and can reduce serious fights within a group.

Why is Dominance Important?

Having a clear dominance order helps animals avoid constant fighting. If every animal had to fight for every piece of food, it would waste a lot of energy and cause many injuries. A dominance hierarchy means everyone knows their place. The dominant animals get what they need first, and the less dominant ones wait their turn. This system helps the group survive and thrive.

How Do Animals Show Dominance?

Animals show their dominance in many ways. Sometimes it's very clear, like a big fight. Other times, it's more subtle, using body language or special signals.

Body Language and Signals

Many animals use their bodies to show who is boss. A dominant animal might stand tall, puff up its fur or feathers, or make direct eye contact. They might also make loud calls or show off bright colors, like the male mandrill. These signals tell other animals, "I'm in charge here!" Less dominant animals might crouch down, look away, or make themselves appear smaller to show they accept the higher rank.

Contests and Fights

Sometimes, animals will have a contest to decide who is dominant. These can be pushing matches, roaring contests, or even short fights. Often, these contests are more about showing strength than causing harm. The weaker animal usually gives up before getting seriously hurt. For example, Eringer cattle might push each other with their heads to establish who is stronger.

Who Becomes Dominant?

Many things can decide which animal becomes dominant. It can be about size, strength, age, or even how smart an animal is. Sometimes, it's about who has the most experience or who is best at solving problems.

Alpha Animals

In some groups, the most dominant animal is called the "alpha." The alpha animal often leads the group and makes important decisions. For example, an alpha male baboon might decide when and where the group moves to find food. The alpha animal usually has the best access to food and mates.

Female Dominance

While male dominance is common, in some species, females can be dominant. Bonobos, for example, are known for having female-led societies. This means the females often have more power and influence within their groups than the males do.

What is Submission?

Submission is the opposite of dominance. It's when an animal shows that it accepts a lower rank in the group. Submissive behaviors help avoid conflict. An animal might lower its head, lie on its back, or make soft sounds to show it is not a threat. This helps keep peace in the group and prevents fights that could injure animals.

Examples of Dominance in Animals

Chickens: In a chicken coop, there's a clear "pecking order." The top hen gets to eat first and peck at other hens without being pecked back. Hens lower in the order get pecked more and eat last.
Wolves: Wolf packs often have an alpha pair (a male and a female) who are the most dominant. They lead the hunt and are usually the only ones to have pups.
Monkeys: Many monkey species, like wedge-capped capuchins, have strict dominance hierarchies. Higher-ranking monkeys get better food and resting spots.
Baboons: Studies on baboons show that an animal's rank can even affect its stress levels. Lower-ranking baboons often have higher levels of stress hormones.

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A high-ranking male mandrill advertises his status with bright facial coloration.
Wedge-capped capuchins have a clear dominance hierarchy.
The effect of relative rank on stress hormone levels in savanna baboons.
The bonobo is one of the few mammals with female-biased dominance.
Bottom-rank chicken showing feather damage from pecking by other hens.
Eringer cattle competing for dominance.