[MD] Social Ants?

[Heather Perella]

Hey Steve,

     Steve said:  "Is anyone aware of accounts of
animal behavior that
> fit my description of social patterns as distinct
> from biological ones?"


     How about alpha male and female wolves, gorillas,
and chimpanzees?  The social structure these groups
have modeled upon a dominance hierarchy where king of
hill is somebody others can and some try with hard
work, to be.  Even if aggressive verbal and physical
behavior becomes the way to topple such celebrities
that can be replaced once their status can not be
backed up by biological brute strengthen or strategic
relationships that form groups of friends that will
jump in to help the alpha, especially when the alpha
is seen to still dominant.  Others do not want to lose
the respect and reputation that goes along with siding
with the leader.  Yet, once that leader no longer
holds the stage, don't except too many to be there for
them.  The society will begin to structure itself
around the new king of hill, that stage leader where
all the drama of the clan will be centered upon by the
consent or disconsent of what is supposed to be the
kind of personality in the group.  If others don't
like the modeled behavior that all look towards, then
another model may form, yet, socially this personality
all depends not just on the biological strength based
not only on intimidation, but on what seems to be the
best way to live where comfort and health of not just
this alpha personality shines in this world, but where
the society itself seems to be doing just fine under
the leadership that the celebrity expresses and
persuades as others want to be around forming
interesting bonds that glue the society together. 
This is one model of celebrity I can think of.

Thanks,
SA

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