Chapter 31, Problem 14STP

Summary Introduction

To write:Mechanism of an animal benefitting from a dominance hierarchy if it does not defend a territory.

Introduction:Dominance hierarchy arises when the members of a social group interact for creating a ranking system. In social living groups the access to resources and different opportunities are limited.

Explanation of Solution

Different species live socially together forming a dominance hierarchy. It is the survival chances of the species as the hierarchical structurepossess some psychological and physiological burden. Hence, the social hierarchy can act as a selective force in the evolution of the species.A relative rank is set between members of the same gender. The repetitiveinteractionschange each time a dominant animal shows its superiority to subordinateanimal.

Conclusion

Individuals with greater hierarchy displace the individuals with lower hierarchy from accessing the area, food and mating opportunities. Hence, individuals with greater hierarchy find greater success of reproducing, as they have more chances of getting the resources which benefits them in the survival of the baby.