The Alpha Male is defined as an animal that by its very nature is conductive, that is, it is able to lead other elements of its own species and itself.
The definition of “Alpha Male” refers to a male who is perceived as the dominant leader in a social group, whether in an informal or formal situation. The term “alpha” has been generated in studies of animal behavior, in which the “alpha male” is the dominant leader of a group of animals. In popular culture, the term “Alpha Male” has been used to describe men who see themselves as dominant leaders in social situations, whether at work, in sports, or in social interaction in general. They are attributed to characteristics such as self-confidence, competence, security, bravery, and aggressiveness. However, they are also associated with toxic and discriminatory behaviors and attitudes such as misogyny, homophobia, and violence.
With respect to other animals, the term “Alpha Male” refers to the dominant position of a male within a social hierarchy of a group of animals. In nature, animals have complex social structures that allow them to cooperate and compete for resources. In many cases, males compete for access to females and resources such as food and territory.
The “Alpha Male” is the dominant leader of a group, and has preferential access to resources and females. In some cases, the “Alpha Male” also protects the group against predators and other dangers. The term originated – as already mentioned – in animal behavioral studies, and is used to describe the dominant male in many types of animals, including primates, wolves, lions and many others.
In general, the “Alpha Male” is characterized by having a high social status within the group, being aggressive and showing a strong ability to compete with other males to maintain his leadership position. However, there are also exceptions and variations in the way animals establish their social hierarchy and leadership. In some cases, males may be more collaborative and less aggressive leaders, and the term “Alpha Male” does not always apply.
With regard to the activity of leading members of a group, the term “Alpha Male” refers to a dominant male who leads and controls members of his species. He often leads and guides the other members of the group, ensuring that they follow his orders and maintain the cohesion of the group. He establishes his dominant position through aggression and intimidation towards other males in the group, and often uses physical power to impose his will. In addition, the alpha male may also use communication signals, such as growls and body postures, to establish his leadership position.
Once the alpha male has established his dominant position, it is common for him to guide and control group members, directing their behavior and movements. He may decide where to look for food and water, which routes to take to avoid danger and set a timetable for the group. In some cases, the alpha male may also make important decisions about breeding and mate selection.
However, it is important to note that not all animals have a social structure in which an alpha male dominates and controls other members of the group. Some species have more egalitarian social structures, where males and females have similar status and share responsibilities in decision-making and group protection.
The most prominent animal species, where the “Alpha Male” is considered to be dominant, leader and router, are the following:
1. Wolves: Wolves are animals that live in packs and have a hierarchical social structure in which the alpha male leads and directs the rest of the group.
2. Lions: Lions also live in hierarchical groups known as pride, where the alpha male is the leader and protector of the group.
3. Chimpanzees: Chimpanzees are social animals that live in communities led by an alpha male who establishes social order and controls the behavior of the other members of the group.
4. Elephants: In elephant herds, the alpha male is the leader and protector of the herd, and is responsible for making important decisions about foraging and protecting the group. However, there is a variant on this, as detailed below.
5. Gorillas: Gorillas live in hierarchical groups led by an alpha male who directs the behavior of the group and protects the females and young.
6. Bison: Bison form herds led by an alpha male who protects females and young and directs the behavior of the group.
7. Deer: In deer groups, the alpha male is the leader and protector of the group, and is responsible for defending the territory and selecting females for breeding.
Eagles: In eagle pairs, the alpha male is the leader and protector of the nest and brood, and is responsible for territory defence and foraging.
9. Orangutans: Male orangutans establish their leadership position and control the behavior of other group members through aggression and intimidation.
Some of the species that inhabit water and that can be observed significant Alpha Male behavior are:
1. Dolphins: Dolphins live in complex social groups led by an alpha male who directs the hunting and behavior of the group.
2. Sharks: In some shark species, such as the white shark and bull shark, Alpha Male behavior can be observed where the largest and strongest males dominate the other members of the group.
3. Whales: Humpbacks and gray whales live in nested groups led by an alpha female or alpha male who leads and protects the other members of the group.
4. Orcas: Orcas live in nested groups led by an alpha female or alpha male who directs group behavior and is responsible for foraging and group protection.
5. Catfish – In some catfish species, such as the yellow catfish, Alpha Male behavior can be observed where the largest and most dominant males control the feeding area and behavior of the group.
6. Hermit Crabs: In hermit crab groups, the alpha males are the largest and strongest, and they are the ones with access to the largest and most protected shells for their use.
It is important to note that not all species have Alpha Male behavior and that in some species the social structure is more egalitarian or female-led.
Furthermore, in nature there are some species where the female leads or leads the pack. That is, not all species have fixed hierarchy systems, and in some cases, leadership may vary depending on the situation or availability of resources. For example:
Elephants: Also in this species of animals the female leads, known as the matriarch. She makes important decisions for the herd, such as finding food and water, and guides the other members in various situations.
Hyenas: In hyena society, females occupy higher positions in the social hierarchy than males. The dominant female leads the group and has alpha status.
Lemurs: Some lemur species, such as the ring-tailed lemur, have social structures where females are the leaders and make decisions for the group.
Geese: Geese are also known to follow a matriarchal social system, alternating with males. The alpha female leads the group and plays an important role in protecting and guiding the group during migrations.
Regarding the action of Routing and Walking of the Alpha Male, we must mention that the alpha male does not necessarily go to the head of the group or in front of it. In each group of animals, their position varies: in most of them, at the beginning, they lead their herd with their walk, but in others, they place themselves in a position that allows them to direct them but also watch out for attacks by predatory animals and also watch over the largest number of its members (components), especially the pups (puppies) and the elderly and weak or sick.
Regarding the aquatic fauna, there must be other types of behavior, but we leave this area aside.
It is very simple to understand how the alpha male leads his group with his walk.
His direction is his own way of walking, it is a routing to the group; that is to say direct, accompany, orient, focus, regulate, adjust, establish, govern, administer, guide, drive, show, arrange, act, drag, move, comply, adjust, lead, carry, transport, carry, push, command, organize, govern and straighten his pack all the time.
Finally I would say that it is not necessary to be an alpha male or even something that looks like it to walk, that’s right: what are we waiting for, let’s start walking!
Just one more thing. It is convenient to know if we will walk in a group or alone, situations that we analyze in Posts WALKING AND THE ELECTION OF LONELINESS. PART I; and WALK IN SOLITUDE, AN ANALOGY OF LIFE.
The wolf (lupus) is the animal that I have admired for this function, which I define as the one that best cares for its family group.
Let’s be wolves and walk all the time and every day.
