Biology
The Behavioral and Genetic Determinants of Dominance Hierarchies in Primate Groups
Quick fact
In many primate species, an individual's rank is not only determined by their own fighting ability but also by the rank of their mother—a phenomenon known as 'maternal rank inheritance' that can be observed in species like macaques and baboons.
Why this is interesting
In a troop of baboons, some individuals always get the best food and grooming, while others wait their turn. What makes one monkey rise to the top while another stays at the bottom?