Mammalian Social Structure and Cooperation

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how the social structures of primates, dolphins, and wolves are complex societies composed of sexual and foraging factors. It looks at how primates vary by species in regard to which mode of group structure they incorporate, but all are based on the process of reproduction. It examines how dolphins exist in cooperative pods, with all members equally contributing to a hunt. It shows how wolves have a strict hierarchy with dominant leaders and hunt as an efficient group.

Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Primate Social Structure
Dolphin Social Structure
Wolf Social Structure
Wolf Teamwork
Dolphin Teamwork
Primate Teamwork
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Wolves live in cooperative breeding packs or family units of five to ten or as many as thirty individuals (Wolflore.com 2003). Pack to pack interactions are rare due to large, well defined territories. These interactions are often aggressive and violent when they occur. A pack is an extended family where every individual understands their position in the hierarchy. The highest ranking members, often the most senior mating pair, are called the alpha wolves. Other members will frequently surround him, howling and sticking muzzles in his face to reaffirm attachment and define the group. This dominant male keeps the pack emotionally centered (Fuller 2003). The next step down is the beta wolf, with both a male and female."

More papers on Mammalian Social Structure and Cooperation:

• Essay # 32743 : "Social Structure of Bonobos"
• Analytical Essay # 8073 : "Social Structure Theories"
• Research Paper # 107203 : "Bourdieu, Structure and Agency"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: