Leadership in the animal kingdom is often seen as the biggest or the strongest rising over the top of a group and asserting their dominance. But in some species, leadership can depend on different circumstances.
“Leadership really has to do with influencing collective decisions,” says Jennifer Smith, a biologist specialized in animal behavior at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. “Who the leader is varies based on what problem they’re trying to solve. Often, it’s very fluid.”
These leaders, as temporary as they may be at times, can be crucial to the survival of the overall group or others within it. In several species, elders take up leadership roles in the search for sustenance. Females do too, and often play key roles as leaders, Smith adds.
Survival in the wild can revolve around what may be considered mundane affairs, Smith continues. “Basically, it’s staying alive, staying safe, but also getting ...
