The words "DOMINANCE", "RANK", "STATUS", and "HIERARCHY" are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Dominance basically refers to some form of power over others established through intimidation. Rank means a relative position in a row, line or series. Individuals may be ranked according to a myriad of criteria. "Dominance Rank" refers to the relative amount of power over others in conflicts and conflict avoidance which an animal can exhibit. Individuals are "ranked" according to their "dominance".
Status is often a more general term meaning a state, condition or position, which is not always a relative population, in a ranked order. An individual's status could be "healthy", "old", "wise", none of which involves dominance rank.
Hierarchy is a group of things which are arranged in order of rank or grade according to some value system or set of criteria. A linear hierarchy reflects a straight line rand ordering of animals usually created by dominance.
Dominance within primate societies can be gained through individual efforts - ability to intimidate, win conflicts or avoid conflicts or through birth rights. An individual can be born (ascribed) to a dominace position within a society. This can best be seen in Rhesus Macaques on Cayo Santiago (video shown in class.)
Aggression patterns are observed in primate behavior. Dominance, as defined, tends to involve conflict and aggressive behavior. It fosters tension within a group. Aggressive patterns of behavior can be associated with the following:
1. Dominance transactions
2. Protection of infants, most often by females
3. In cases where resources or females are in short supply
4. Meeting an unfamiliar animal
5. Defending against predators
6. Terminating disputes between younger subordinates
7. Exploration of strange or dangerous areas
8. When long-term changes in dominance status occur, especially among males