Abstract

Dominance describes the relative capacity of an individual (or group) to win an agonistic interaction with another animal/group. Differences in dominance rank emerge when ecological conditions force animals to compete over valuable, limited resources and attaining a dominant position gives fitness-related benefits (e.g., resource monopolization). The dominance rank position of an animal depends on its fighting ability, which in turn depends on its age, body/canine size, physical strength, and network of allies. Dominance is an important factor to consider when analyzing life-history variables and socioecology.