This image shows a subordinate male, challenging the alpha for leader of the pack. As we all know, wolves live in packs. They have a well organized social structure containing the leader (alpha-male), and a hierarchy defining roles and contributions other members in the pack. The alpha male is the only wolf in the pack with the right to reproduce, and each pack generally has one female which will give birth to the Alpha’s offspring. The alpha is also the first to eat. The alpha keeps his position in the pack mainly through aggressive behavior, often displayed by fighting other males for dominance. Beta males are only submissive to the alpha, and all other wolves are submissive to both the alpha and the beta. His role in the pack is to replace the alpha once the existing one dies, inheriting all his privileges. Subordinate males are those not not alpha, beta or omega, and represent the middle class. Generally submissive towards the upper ranks, they occasionally fight the Alpha in order to supplant him; in which case they actually skip the beta position. Omega wolves are at the bottom of the hierarchy. He is the one to feed last and if the Alpha demands it, he will not feed at all. Other members of the pack will often bully them, but the Omega plays an important role in the pack, by helping vent off conflicts without acts of war. .................................................................................................................................................................. #science #biology #nature #animals #education