Socialbiology is the science behind studying the social grouping of animals. Social grouping is a term used to describe animals that interact with other members of their species on a regular basis. Typical social grouping is when animals live within a family-based unit, with social organisation and a hierarchy system. Even solitary animals have a basic social grouping; during mating season they come together. Once the offspring has been born their will be a form of social grouping with the mother and babies when there is a very basic level of organisation and hierarchy.

Social organisation describes the bonds that are made between animals within the group. There are three different kinds of bonding that are seen commonly:

*Type 1 temporary bond between male and female during breeding season e.g. hyena

*Type 2 more longer pair bonding e.g. dingo

*Type 3 social organisation is tight knit. Dominance hierarchy among male and females e.g. wolf

Dominance hierarchy is used to maintain the social behaviour of the group. The hierarchy system does differ from species to species.

CANINES

There is a male and female dog that are in charge of the whole group
-Alpha male / female

They gain their position by fighting for their title and then maintaining their position through communication

Every individual that is not "top dog" are beta individuals
-Otherwise known as subordinates
-They have to eat and mate second to the alpha individual

EQUUIDS

Age and sex determine the hierarchy
-Older > younger
-Male > female

If born by a dominant mare, the foal will be dominant

Avoidance and recognition maintain social stability

Some species of animal have a higher level of social grouping called eusocial grouping', for example honey bees live together in massive numbers, protecting the queen and hive, and feeding the colony.

There are many reasons behind living within social groups. One of these reasons is anti-predator behaviour. This is commonly seen in flight response' animals such as horses, deer and meerkats. In these groups one animal will stand watching and listening for predators whilst the others either sleep, and will rest itself once the others are awake. Other reasons include hunting and infant-care. Lionesses will hunt as a pack, using their combined strength to bring down larger prey, whilst the older lionesses and alpha male lion will look after the cubs.

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