Facts about Meerkat Social Structure

1. 05

   Alloparental care is central to meerkat social structure, with subordinate group members helping to feed, guard, and babysit pups they did not father or bear.

   Meerkat Social StructureJun 6sharebehaviorcooperationmammals
2. 04

   Sentinel duty in meerkat groups involves a member standing guard on an elevated spot and using distinct alarm calls to warn others of aerial versus ground predators.

   Meerkat Social StructureJun 6sharebehaviorcommunicationecology
3. 03

   Dominant female meerkats suppress the reproduction of subordinate group members partly through aggressive behavior and stress-induced hormonal changes.

   Meerkat Social StructureJun 6sharebiologybehaviormammals
4. 02

   In meerkat groups, subordinate females are often evicted by the dominant female to suppress their reproduction and maintain her breeding monopoly.

   Meerkat Social StructureJun 6sharebehaviorreproductionhierarchy
5. 01

   Meerkat social structure is based on cooperative groups called mobs or gangs, typically dominated by a single dominant breeding pair.

   Meerkat Social StructureJun 6sharebiologybehaviormammals