Many mammals live in groups with a dominance hierarchy.
|
Term
|
Ranking in Group
|
Feature
|
|
alpha
|
highest status
|
strongest, most power, access to the most
|
|
beta
|
second tier
|
some access to resources; often vying for alpha
|
|
gamma
|
middle/third tier
|
|
|
delta
|
fourth tier
|
|
|
omega
|
lowest/fifth tier
|
subservient to all others with limited access
|
|
sigma
|
loner outside the group
|
|
Some writers recognize only alpha and beta males, with the latter considered effeminate.
