Biology
Dominance Hierarchies and Stress Physiology in Spotted Hyenas
Quick fact
Unlike many primates, spotted hyena queens (dominant females) often have lower levels of stress hormones than subordinates, despite being the center of attention and aggression. Their power seems to buffer them from the physiological costs of social stress.
Why this is interesting
In a society where rank rules, you'd think the boss would be the most stressed. But in spotted hyena clans, the opposite is often true—why?