Social Mechanisms for Defence

Social Mechanisms for Defence

Definition

• Social mechanisms for defence refer to strategies employed by groups of animals to enhance their collective safety and protection from predators. These mechanisms are particularly evident in species that live in social groups or communities.

Benefits of 'Safety in Numbers'

The concept of 'safety in numbers' offers several advantages to animals that live in groups:

• Lookout System: Some individuals within the group can act as lookouts for predators while others engage in essential activities like feeding. For example, meerkat sentries take turns keeping watch for potential threats.

• Intimidation: A large group can appear more intimidating to potential predators, which may be deterred from launching an attack due to the sheer number of individuals.

• Collective Defence: In the event of an attack, group members can collaborate to defend themselves, increasing their chances of survival.

• Individual Survival: Being part of a group improves an individual's survival chances during a predator encounter.

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Social Mechanisms for Defence

Specialised Formation

Defence mechanisms are most effective when groups adopt specialised formations during an attack. For instance:

• Musk Oxen: Musk oxen form a tight circle with individuals facing outwards, ready to detect danger from any direction and defend themselves with their horns.

• Baboons: During a march, dominant male baboons typically stay in the centre of the troop, protecting the females with young. Lower-ranking males and juveniles occupy the edges of the group and sound alarms if a predator threat is detected.