Chapter 31, Problem 29A

Summary Introduction

To write: Difference between dominance hierarchy and territorial behavior.

Introduction: The study of the interaction of living things with each other and their environment is known as ecology. Every animal interacts with each other. This interaction could be within the members of the same species or the members of the different species.

Explanation of Solution

Dominance hierarchies: The term hierarchy is referred to as the grouping of objects or animals based on rank from highest to lowest. Animals are known to develop dominance hierarchies.

In this, the highest rank animal has access to resources without the struggle from the other animals in the group. In other words, the resources are available to every animal but the dominant animal is treated to have more access to these resources and mate more than the rest of the members. Examples of dominance hierarchy are chickens, baboons, wolves and some songbirds.

It is because of this behavior, that the conflict among animals is reduced.

Territorial behavior: When an animal adopts and controls a physical area against other animals of the same species, it is known a territorial behavior. Mostly, the territories are defended by the male members of the species so that they continue to obtain sufficient mates, food and place to give birth to their offspring.

Conclusion

In the dominance hierarchy, the top-ranked animal has access to water, food, potential mate and area without the clash with other animals of the group.

Territorial behavior is the result of animals adopting and controlling a physical area against other animals of the same species.