Final answer:
A dominance hierarchy refers to the ranking of individuals for access to resources, with both male and female primates competing and cooperating within complex social structures. Research has evolved to acknowledge the significance of female roles in primate society. Polygynous mating systems demonstrate how male competition for resources can dominate mating behaviors in some species.
Step-by-step explanation:
A dominance hierarchy is the ranking that individuals have relative to others for access to resources. This concept is often observed in primate societies, but also in other animal communities. In primates, both males and females actively strategize for desirable resources, roles, and relationships. While males can show dominance by fighting, forming friendships with females may also be a reproductive strategy. Similarly, females may choose to mate with male "friends" over more aggressive or dominant males. Thus, social organization in primates is a complex interplay of competition and cooperation among both genders.
Historically, primatologists believed that primate social behavior was primarily driven by male competition for mates and resources, aligning with Darwin's theory of sexual selection. However, research has shifted to recognize the significant roles females play in social dynamics, forming the backbone of primate society through kinship and solidarity, not simply as passive participants. Female primates are central to the social life and organization within their communities.
In terms of mating systems, polygynous mating involves one male mating with multiple females. Different forms, such as resource-based polygyny and harem mating systems, highlight the diversity of social structures in the animal kingdom. These systems often lead to strong male competition for territories and resources that attract females.