Dominance hierarchy

Pronunciation
/do-MIN-uhns hy-uh-rahr-kee/
Category
Behavior
Plural
Dominance hierarchies

Definition

A social structure in which individuals within a group are ranked based on their access to resources, mating opportunities, and other forms of social dominance.

Etymology

From Latin 'dominare', meaning 'to rule' or 'to dominate'.

Example

In a dominance hierarchy among honeybees, the queen bee occupies the highest rank and controls access to resources and reproduction.

Related Terms

  • Social behavior
  • Rank
  • Status