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Large-Scale Study Finds Sex-Biased Dominance Rare in Primates

Analysis of fight outcomes from 253 primate populations quantifies dominance trends that overturn assumptions of universal male supremacy.

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Three female chimpanzees, which are one of the primates in which males dominate
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No alpha males here: A male black lemur pictured in the foreground, with a female behind him

Overview

  • Researchers spent five years compiling individual-level aggression records from 253 populations across 121 primate species to map intersexual power dynamics.
  • Clear male dominance—winning more than 90% of contests against females—was recorded in 25 of 151 populations with quantitative data, while clear female dominance occurred in only 16 populations and most societies showed moderate or no bias.
  • Intersexual aggression accounted for nearly half of all adult conflicts in the studied primate groups.
  • Female dominance often stems from reproductive control and is most prevalent in monogamous, size-paired or arboreal species where females have greater mating choice.
  • Ecological and social factors such as body size differences, mating systems and foraging habits shape primate hierarchies and suggest human gender roles may also be context-dependent.