While males are often the dominant sex in mammals, the concept of dominance isn't straightforward, particularly when considering females. Female power structures depend heavily on a species' mating system.
Dominance in Mammals: A Nuanced View
It's important to understand that dominance isn't a universal, fixed trait. The idea that males are automatically the dominant sex in all situations is a simplification. Here's a breakdown:
Male Dominance
- In many mammalian species, males exert dominance through physical strength and competition for mating opportunities.
- This dominance often results in males having preferential access to resources.
- Examples: lions, gorillas, and many other primates demonstrate clear male dominance hierarchies.
Female Power
- Females obtain power in different ways, often through social bonds, resource control, and strategic partnerships.
- Their power dynamics are tightly linked to the specific mating system of their species.
- For instance, in some species, a matriarchal society will form with females having preferential access to resources.
The Impact of Mating Systems
The type of mating system employed by a species is key to understanding dominance patterns:
- Monogamy: In monogamous species, dominance might be less pronounced, or shared equally between partners.
- Polygyny: In species where males mate with multiple females, male dominance is often very strong due to competition for mating opportunities.
- Polyandry: In cases where females mate with multiple males, females might hold more power, often in terms of control over resources or male mating access.
Examples of Female Power
- Female hyenas live in a matriarchal society with the females being larger and more aggressive than the males.
- Female bonobos show a matriarchal social structure through strategic alliances.
Conclusion
Therefore, while the reference indicates that males are typically dominant in mammals, this isn't a simple rule. The power dynamics between the genders is diverse, and dependent on many factors such as mating systems, social structures and species.
