At first glance, the concepts of dominance and leadership present a framework in which people try to understand how others think and how social behaviors are managed. However, in nature, this label does not always imply a fixed position; alpha often appears as a momentary display of power or as a reflection of parental functions. In the 1970s, David Mech used the terms alpha male and alpha female for dominant pairs in wolf packs, showing that these individuals typically gained their leadership not through fighting, but through reproduction. Over time, these definitions proved to be misleading, and Mech also pointed out that: the alpha position is often a natural consequence of family structure and is not based on competition for leadership.
The phrase “there is no single type of leadership in nature” broadens the scope of the alpha concept. In some species, such as hyenas, orca whales, and meerkats, the leadership is usually carried out by females. However, in African lions, the situation is more complex; males move in groups and share power, while leadership can sometimes be shared among different individuals. Hierarchies among primates are multi-layered; decision-making might not be conducted by the most powerful individual, establishing a balance that reduces conflict.
The misconception that being alpha is a fixed role is not valid for many species. Individuals can assume the leadership role at different times in their lives and then relinquish it to someone else. This position is determined not only by physical strength but also by intelligence, cooperation, and social skills. Behavioral ecologist Paulo Mota from the University of Porto states that being alpha signifies the top position within the group at a given moment, but this position changes over time. For example, in some mice, physiological changes—such as increased testosterone and more territorial marking behaviors—may be observed after dominance is established.
What does “Alpha” really tell us about humans? People often interpret this concept more harshly and unidimensionally than its counterparts in nature. Displaying dominant behavior or physical strength in social settings does not automatically mean someone is a leader. Evolutionary biologist Dieter Lukas emphasizes that even in animals, leadership does not always coincide with strength. The person deciding where the group will go may not be the same as the first to reach resources. Still, humans tend to adopt an understanding of leadership defined by abstract concepts like “prestige,” which, unlike animals, develops as a social position and is shaped by social factors.
Should we rethink the concept of alpha? This frequently encountered term in popular culture does not adequately reflect the diversity in scientific contexts. While dominance is clearly observable in some species, in species with more complex social structures, the situation is much more intricate. Hierarchies are not fixed, and leadership is determined not only by power but also by strategy, experience, and relationship-building skills. Yes, alpha individuals exist in some communities; however, this does not imply a vertical hierarchy that subjugates everyone. It is an expression of a system that develops over time and often relies on mutual dependencies. Perhaps it is time for us as humans to reconsider this concept.
