April 2019 PMID 30858321

Social alliances improve rank and fitness in convention-based societies.

Eli D Strauss, Kay E Holekamp

Download social card

Mentions

63
Peak: 29 in Mar 2019
across 4 sources since Mar 2019

Extended reach

115,577
potential audience

Total likes

80

Video views

765

Mentions per month

Mar 2019 – Sep 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter43 posts
  • News14 articles
  • Blogs5 articles
  • YouTube1 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Discussion highlights include expressions of excitement about the research, with statements like 'Fascinating new paper' and references to forming alliances to improve social standing and fitness. The tone indicates curiosity and appreciation for the insights into social dynamics, especially about how alliances influence success across generations in both animals and humans.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most posts acknowledge the findings, with some explicitly praising the idea that social alliances positively influence rank and fitness. For example, several discussions express enthusiasm about the research's implications for social behavior and success.

InterestHigh interest

Posts convey high curiosity and engagement, especially by highlighting key aspects such as the benefits of alliances for social mobility and reproductive success. The tone suggests curiosity about the mechanisms and significance of these findings.

EngagementModerate engagement

Many comments reference specific examples from the study, including mentions of hyenas and primates, indicating a moderate level of deep engagement with the content and its broader implications.

ImpactModerate impact

While most posts recognize the importance of the work, some consider its implications for understanding social hierarchies and success, but overall, the perceived impact remains moderate, as the discussion centers on understanding rather than immediate ch

Abstract in brief

  • Social alliances and forming coalitions with top allies help individuals improve their social rank and access to resources in societies where hierarchies are based on arbitrary conventions rather than physical ability.
  • In wild spotted hyenas studied over 27 years, individuals who repeatedly collaborate with their allies tend to move up in the hierarchy, which leads to increased reproductive success and better fitness outcomes.
  • Over multiple generations, slight advantages in social rank can be amplified, highlighting how social alliances and status changes driven by conventions can have long-term impacts on survival and success in both animals and humans.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Eli Strauss
@_straussed · X

I'm very excited to share our latest work appearing online in @PNASNews this week! We present data on rank changes among adult female spotted hyenas and intergenerational patterns in matrilineal social status @MSUHyenas https://t.co/nkRoorGESb

Mar 12, 2019 · 42 likes · 21 shares · 629 followers View post →
Andrea Baronchelli
@a_baronca · X

Social alliances improve rank and fitness in convention-based societies https://t.co/YkEXO8Mzwh "[..] first step in reconciling the advantages of high status with the appearance of “arbitrary” conventions that structure inequality in animal and human societies."

May 8, 2019 · 7 likes · 3 shares · 5,435 followers View post →
Christopher L Dutton
@ChrisLDutton · X

Great work @_straussed and @MSUHyenas! Another benefit to living next to you all in the bush You elevate our social status! Social alliances improve rank and fitness in convention-based societies https://t.co/Sc68i2Lao2

Mar 12, 2019 · 5 likes · 1,915 followers View post →
Mara Hyena Project
@MaraHyenas · X

Fascinating new paper by @_straussed “Social alliances improve rank and fitness in convention-based societies” https://t.co/ykYS8TMGkv

Mar 12, 2019 · 5 likes · 2 shares · 1,910 followers View post →
Amiyaal Ilany
@amiyaal · X

Social alliances improve rank and fitness in convention-based societies https://t.co/7Cdexx1C5D

Mar 11, 2019 · 5 likes · 2 shares · 993 followers View post →
Eli Strauss
@_straussed · X

These results clarify the processes explaining prior results showing a similar pattern of decline in status over multiple generations. A few generations down the road, the descendants of high-status females are mid- to low-ranking. (3/6) https://t.co/0NWSBisAGW

Jun 26, 2023 · 3 likes · 629 followers View post →

All mentions

Eli Strauss
@_straussed · X

These results clarify the processes explaining prior results showing a similar pattern of decline in status over multiple generations. A few generations down the road, the descendants of high-status females are mid- to low-ranking. (3/6) https://t.co/0NWSBisAGW

Jun 26, 2023 · 3 likes · 629 followers View post →
Michael Sheehan
@IDsignals · X

@RuvinskyIlya This idea seems very system dependent. In primates and hyenas, females inherit rank from mothers with youngest daughter getting the highest rank. High rank in those cases leads to higher reproductive success. Eg https://t.co/gDQmtj99sp

Mar 28, 2023 · 1 like · 1,460 followers View post →
Pabsgon
@Pabsgon · X

@DoctoraGlas @Noragueda @Noctismalaga @yo_dona Los primates -conscientemente o no- usamos técnicas para mantener y reafirmar nuestro status social en el grupo con alianzas, a costa d discriminar o aislar al q consideramos enemigo. Jerarquías basadas en prestigio. Antropología es 1 d mis pasiones. Salud https://t.co/gGGevZLL3A

Oct 10, 2022 · 158 followers View post →
distracted_alien
@distractedalien · X

#Social alliances improve #rank and #fitness in convention-based societies..https://t.co/gDvKORlyaH

May 9, 2019 · 407 followers View post →
Massimo Stella PhD
@MassimoSt · X

RT @a_baronca: Social alliances improve rank and fitness in convention-based societies https://t.co/YkEXO8Mzwh "[..] first step in reconci…

May 8, 2019 · 3 shares · 1,800 followers View post →
Bruno Lepri
@brulepri · X

RT @a_baronca: Social alliances improve rank and fitness in convention-based societies https://t.co/YkEXO8Mzwh "[..] first step in reconci…

May 8, 2019 · 3 shares · 708 followers View post →
Riccardo Fusaroli
@fusaroli · X

RT @a_baronca: Social alliances improve rank and fitness in convention-based societies https://t.co/YkEXO8Mzwh "[..] first step in reconci…

May 8, 2019 · 3 shares · 4,194 followers View post →
Andrea Baronchelli
@a_baronca · X

Social alliances improve rank and fitness in convention-based societies https://t.co/YkEXO8Mzwh "[..] first step in reconciling the advantages of high status with the appearance of “arbitrary” conventions that structure inequality in animal and human societies."

May 8, 2019 · 7 likes · 3 shares · 5,435 followers View post →
Systems CoI
@syscoi · X

Social alliances improve rank and fitness in convention-based societies https://t.co/YX1lKPqbiK

May 7, 2019 · 1 like · 344 followers View post →
arupaka
@komakusaryama · X

RT @cxdig: Social alliances improve rank and fitness in convention-based societies https://t.co/sZtCAjnFs7 https://t.co/XuPB7zqzPp

May 7, 2019 · 1 share · 821 followers View post →
Lisette Espín-Noboa
@lespin · X

*Social alliances improve rank and fitness in convention-based societies* https://t.co/3i87HWhnU0

May 6, 2019 · 2 likes · 1,041 followers View post →
Heather Archer
@lyanx · X

Social alliances improve rank and fitness in convention-based societies https://t.co/gahNA68KWG

May 1, 2019 · 54 followers View post →
NetScience
@net_science · X

Social alliances improve rank and fitness in convention-based societies [Ecology] https://t.co/knegUYUUhw

May 1, 2019 · 2 likes · 9,772 followers View post →
distracted_alien
@distractedalien · X

#Social alliances improve #rank and #fitness in convention-based societies #[ #Ecology #]..https://t.co/t0s5MV7507

Apr 3, 2019 · 407 followers View post →
Ivy S
@IvySharyn · X

#SafariLive This is the paper Lauren was talking about on the Sunrise Drive Social alliances improve rank and fitness in convention-based societies https://t.co/hkKHsCgn5B

Mar 13, 2019 · 2 likes · 176 followers View post →
Revathe
@Revathe92 · X

RT @_straussed: I'm very excited to share our latest work appearing online in @PNASNews this week! We present data on rank changes among ad…

Mar 13, 2019 · 21 shares · 1,146 followers View post →
Sarah Westrick
@sewestrick · X

RT @_straussed: I'm very excited to share our latest work appearing online in @PNASNews this week! We present data on rank changes among ad…

Mar 13, 2019 · 21 shares · 1,213 followers View post →
Frants Jensen, PhD
@frantsjensen · X

RT @_straussed: I'm very excited to share our latest work appearing online in @PNASNews this week! We present data on rank changes among ad…

Mar 13, 2019 · 21 shares · 1,342 followers View post →
Ariana Strandburg-Peshkin
@ariSPeshkin · X

RT @_straussed: I'm very excited to share our latest work appearing online in @PNASNews this week! We present data on rank changes among ad…

Mar 13, 2019 · 21 shares · 1,884 followers View post →
Cervelle d'Oiseau @cervelleoiseau.bsky.social
@CervelleOiseau · X

RT @_straussed: I'm very excited to share our latest work appearing online in @PNASNews this week! We present data on rank changes among ad…

Mar 13, 2019 · 21 shares · 1,481 followers View post →
Taï Chimpanzee Project
@TaiChimpProject · X

RT @DieterLukas: New from @_straussed & @MSUHyenas: "Social alliances improve rank and fitness in convention-based societies" - on the bene…

Mar 12, 2019 · 1 share · 3,709 followers View post →
Animal Behavior Society
@AnimBehSociety · X

RT @_straussed: I'm very excited to share our latest work appearing online in @PNASNews this week! We present data on rank changes among ad…

Mar 12, 2019 · 21 shares · 12,972 followers View post →
Nancy C. Emery
@NCEmery · X

RT @_straussed: I'm very excited to share our latest work appearing online in @PNASNews this week! We present data on rank changes among ad…

Mar 12, 2019 · 21 shares · 621 followers View post →
Dr. Sara Garnett
@SaraCGarnett · X

RT @_straussed: I'm very excited to share our latest work appearing online in @PNASNews this week! We present data on rank changes among ad…

Mar 12, 2019 · 21 shares · 338 followers View post →
Jessica Gunson
@GunsonWildlife · X

RT @_straussed: I'm very excited to share our latest work appearing online in @PNASNews this week! We present data on rank changes among ad…

Mar 12, 2019 · 21 shares · 1,246 followers View post →
Megan Petersdorf
@meganpetersdorf · X

RT @_straussed: I'm very excited to share our latest work appearing online in @PNASNews this week! We present data on rank changes among ad…

Mar 12, 2019 · 21 shares · 4,746 followers View post →
Alexandre Courtiol
@alexcourtiol · X

RT @_straussed: I'm very excited to share our latest work appearing online in @PNASNews this week! We present data on rank changes among ad…

Mar 12, 2019 · 21 shares · 337 followers View post →
Camille Bordes
@BordesCamille1 · X

RT @_straussed: I'm very excited to share our latest work appearing online in @PNASNews this week! We present data on rank changes among ad…

Mar 12, 2019 · 21 shares · 195 followers View post →
Danai Papageorgiou
@DanPapageorgiou · X

RT @_straussed: I'm very excited to share our latest work appearing online in @PNASNews this week! We present data on rank changes among ad…

Mar 12, 2019 · 21 shares · 1,727 followers View post →
Erin Zylstra
@erzylstra · X

RT @_straussed: I'm very excited to share our latest work appearing online in @PNASNews this week! We present data on rank changes among ad…

Mar 12, 2019 · 21 shares · 76 followers View post →
Tracy Montgomery
@tracymont10 · X

RT @_straussed: I'm very excited to share our latest work appearing online in @PNASNews this week! We present data on rank changes among ad…

Mar 12, 2019 · 21 shares · 305 followers View post →
Gideon Bradburd
@gbradburd · X

RT @_straussed: I'm very excited to share our latest work appearing online in @PNASNews this week! We present data on rank changes among ad…

Mar 12, 2019 · 21 shares · 2,623 followers View post →
Katherine J. Wu, Ph.D.
@KatherineJWu · X

RT @_straussed: I'm very excited to share our latest work appearing online in @PNASNews this week! We present data on rank changes among ad…

Mar 12, 2019 · 21 shares · 37,592 followers View post →
Benjamin Jarrett
@bjmjarrett · X

RT @_straussed: I'm very excited to share our latest work appearing online in @PNASNews this week! We present data on rank changes among ad…

Mar 12, 2019 · 21 shares · 862 followers View post →
Eli Strauss
@_straussed · X

I'm very excited to share our latest work appearing online in @PNASNews this week! We present data on rank changes among adult female spotted hyenas and intergenerational patterns in matrilineal social status @MSUHyenas https://t.co/nkRoorGESb

Mar 12, 2019 · 42 likes · 21 shares · 629 followers View post →
SpotWeld is staying in
@SpotWeld · X

RT @MSUHyenas: Fascinating new paper by @_straussed “Social alliances improve rank and fitness in convention-based societies” https://t.co/…

Mar 12, 2019 · 2 shares · 873 followers View post →
Camille Bordes
@BordesCamille1 · X

RT @amiyaal: Social alliances improve rank and fitness in convention-based societies https://t.co/7Cdexx1C5D

Mar 12, 2019 · 2 shares · 195 followers View post →
Jessica Gunson
@GunsonWildlife · X

RT @MSUHyenas: Fascinating new paper by @_straussed “Social alliances improve rank and fitness in convention-based societies” https://t.co/…

Mar 12, 2019 · 2 shares · 1,246 followers View post →
Mara Hyena Project
@MaraHyenas · X

Fascinating new paper by @_straussed “Social alliances improve rank and fitness in convention-based societies” https://t.co/ykYS8TMGkv

Mar 12, 2019 · 5 likes · 2 shares · 1,910 followers View post →
Christopher L Dutton
@ChrisLDutton · X

Great work @_straussed and @MSUHyenas! Another benefit to living next to you all in the bush You elevate our social status! Social alliances improve rank and fitness in convention-based societies https://t.co/Sc68i2Lao2

Mar 12, 2019 · 5 likes · 1,915 followers View post →
Dieter Lukas
@DieterLukas · X

New from @_straussed & @MSUHyenas: "Social alliances improve rank and fitness in convention-based societies" - on the benefits of forming alliances to achieve upward social mobility in female hyenas https://t.co/OoHK33sByc

Mar 12, 2019 · 1 like · 1 share · 2,909 followers View post →
Liran Samuni
@LirSamuni · X

RT @amiyaal: Social alliances improve rank and fitness in convention-based societies https://t.co/7Cdexx1C5D

Mar 11, 2019 · 2 shares · 1,469 followers View post →
Amiyaal Ilany
@amiyaal · X

Social alliances improve rank and fitness in convention-based societies https://t.co/7Cdexx1C5D

Mar 11, 2019 · 5 likes · 2 shares · 993 followers View post →