Abstract:
In cooperatively breeding species with high reproductive skew, a single breeding female is dominant
to all other group members, but it is not yet known if there are consistent dominance
relationships among subordinates. In this study on meerkats (Suricata suricatta), we used naturally
observed dominance assertions and submissive interactions within dyads of subordinate females to
investigate: (i) whether or not a dominance structure exists among them and what factors influence
dominance relationships; and (ii) how dominance may influence the future reproductive success of
subordinate females. Our study indicates that superiority in age and weight provide a competitive
advantage during conflicts among subordinate females and that females who consistently dominate
in these contests are subsequently more likely to attain a dominant breeding position. This provides
a starting point for further investigations into dominance structure among subordinates in meerkat
societies and other cooperative breeders.
