Question

The spatial organization of flocks or herds may be related to social rank of individuals. How does this principle apply to flocks of wood pigeons?

1) Dominant individuals tend to be at the periphery of the flock, where they can serve as lookouts.
2) Dominant individuals tend to be at the center of the flock, where they can feed relatively undisturbed.
3) Dominant individuals tend to spread themselves evenly throughout the flock, so as to avoid confrontations with other dominant individuals.
4) Dominant individuals tend to be spread randomly throughout the flock, because flocks of wood pigeons have no spatial structure.

Answer 1

In flocks of wood pigeons, dominant individuals usually position themselves at the center of the flock, allowing them to feed with less disturbance and greater protection, which is congruent with clumped distribution patterns observed in social birds.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering the spatial organization of flocks or herds and their relation to social rank, it's observed that different species exhibit distinct patterns. With reference to wood pigeons, which are social birds, they tend to exhibit a clumped distribution pattern. This clumped nature generally means that these birds are found together in groups, which often relates to a patchy distribution of resources such as food or the presence of protective advantages against predators.

In most cases where birds flock together, the social rank may influence position within the group. However, it is typically seen with species like wood pigeons that the dominant individuals are located at the center of the flock. This central position allows them to feed relatively undisturbed and be better protected, while less dominant individuals may be found toward the edges. Thus, this principle applies to flocks of wood pigeons in that the dominant individuals tend to be at the center of the flock.