dominance hierarchy
noun Animal Behavior.
a system or set of relationships in animal groups that is based on a hierarchical ranking, usually established and maintained by behavior in aggressive encounters: one or a few members hold the highest rank and the others are submissive to those ranking higher and dominant to those ranking lower.
Origin of dominance hierarchy
First recorded in 1970–75
Words nearby dominance hierarchy
domiciliary,
domiciliary care,
domiciliate,
domiciliated,
dominance,
dominance hierarchy,
dominance of genes,
dominant,
dominant character,
dominant eye,
dominant gene