Alpha (biology)
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In social animals, the alpha is the individual in the community whom the others follow. Where one male and one female fulfill this role, they are referred to as the alpha pair (the term varies when several individuals of the same gender fulfill this role). Other animals in the same social group may exhibit deference or other symbolic signs of respect particular to their species towards the alpha.
In most species, the alpha is given preference to be the first to eat and the first to mate. Other animals in the community are usually killed or ousted if they violate this rule. This leads to the alpha males and females being overrepresented in some groups in the genetics of a population, because they may become the only ones who breed successfully.
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[edit] Position of the alpha within his community
The status of the alpha is sometimes achieved by means of superior physical prowess. The individual in the alpha position usually changes when another challenges it to a fight (in some species to the death) and wins. Consequently, alphas may have to fight individuals in their own group several times to maintain their position throughout their lifetimes. In species where the fight is to the death, alphas rarely reach old age. In some species, a nomadic individual may approach the alpha, successfully beat him, and thus become the new alpha. When this occurs in lions, the new alpha usually kills the previous alpha's cubs. In lions, several individuals may share alpha privileges in what is known as a coalition.
The social group usually follows the alpha to the hunt and to new breeding or resting grounds. The alpha is thus sometimes seen as deciding the fate of the group. If two groups of the same species find themselves competing for the same ground, they may let the alphas fight letting the outcome decide which group stays.
[edit] Beta and omega
In some cases, the hierarchy is extended to include two other roles: beta and omega. The beta (usually beta male) is the contender to the alpha position, and usually subordinate to the individual in it after passing a test. Betas act as the second in command and can overthrow the alpha or future alpha through reiterated challenges.
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Omega (usually rendered ω-male) is an antonym used to refer to the lowest caste of the hierarchical society. An omega is subordinated to both alpha and beta. The omega may be used as a scapegoat and is commonly the last allowed to eat.
[edit] By clade
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[edit] Primates
Chimpanzees show deference to the alpha of the community by ritualised gestures such as bowing, allowing the alpha to walk first in a procession, or standing aside when the alpha challenges.
In certain highly social species such as the bonobo, a contender can use more indirect methods, such as political alliances, to oust the ruling alpha and take his place.
Gorillas use intimidation to establish and maintain alpha position.
[edit] Canids
Canines (e.g. wolves, dogs, jackals, foxes) show deference to the alpha pair in their pack by allowing them to be the first to eat and, usually, the only pair to mate. Canines use eye contact to establish and maintain alpha position. In the case of wild canids the alpha male may not have exclusive access to the alpha female;[1] moreover, other pack members may guard the maternity den used by the alpha female; such is the case with the Painted Hunting Dog, Lycaon pictus.[2]
[edit] In popular culture
Popular media usually represents alphas in animal groups as major decision-makers, rulers, or even kings. In the latter of these, the representation is complete with hereditary succession. In reality, when the alphas die of natural causes, the alpha position becomes open.
Omegas are usually portrayed as a position earned by punishment.
[edit] Humans
The term "alpha male" is sometimes applied to human beings to refer to a man who is powerful or in a high social position, similar to hegemonic masculinity. It is also used to explain the conduct of several adolescents that compete openly to call more attention, often being hostile.
[edit] See also
- The Alpha-Pluses of Brave New World
- Chillingham Cattle
- Big man
- Hypergamy
- Territory (animal)
[edit] References
- Gary Greenberg and Maury M. Haraway. 1998. Comparative psychology: a handbook, Published by Taylor & Francis, 914 pages ISBN 0815312814
- C. Michael Hogan. 2009. Painted Hunting Dog: Lycaon pictus, GlobalTwitcher.com, ed. N. Stromberg
