Social Organisation Flashcards
1
Q
What is social organisation?
A
The structure of relationships within a group; the division of labour
2
Q
What are the purposes of social organisation?
A
- improves survival
- ensures reproductive success
3
Q
What does social organisation make it easier for populations to do?
A
- avoid predation
- find food through collective hunting
- division of labour
- find mates
- protect resources
- regulate population size
4
Q
How are herds/flocks effective as a means of avoiding predators?
A
- safety in groups
- many eyes and ears to detect predators
- large herd can “mob” a predator
- dilution effect
- can’t single out prey (herds scatter, create confusion, distract)
- members protect vulnerable individuals
- inexperienced get guidance from older members
5
Q
What is the dilution effect?
A
This is the concept that the more members in the group, the better an individual can survive
6
Q
How are packs effective as a hunting strategy?
A
- complex communications
- highly efficient
- high kill rate
- can chase for long distances
- group attack
- take turns in harassing prey
- share food with each other and young, injured, sicj
7
Q
A
