Question

Using a wolf pack as an example, explain how rank order is established and maintained within the pack. Who are the dominants? Subordinates?

Answer 1

• According to the sources from canine studies, the wolf pack may consist anywhere between 5-10 wolves.
• The alpha is the leader of the pack who is also the dominant one. Male wolves are the alphas usually and their mate female wolf is the second leader. Most of the time, only the alpha male and female reproduces depending on the abundance of sources and livelihood.
• The most assertive and bright pup will grow into an alpha while the calmer ones will be beta or gamma.
• Followed by alphas are the beta members. These wolves are subordinates to the leader. Both female and male wolves can be beta.
• The Rest of the pack members are gamma wolves. It includes adolescent wolves, pups, elderly wolves.
• The final order is omega. The omega wolf is the lowest-ranked wolf. It is either a male or a female but mostly females.
• Sometimes a wolf maybe kicked out of a pack or move away. It is known as the lone wolf.