Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A July 2025 PMID 40623178

The evolution of male-female dominance relations in primate societies.

Elise Huchard, Peter M Kappeler, Nikolaos Smit, Claudia Fichtel, Dieter Lukas

Mentions

192
Peak: 34 in Jul 2025
across 6 sources since Jul 2025

Extended reach

6,678,537
potential audience

Total likes

1,315

Video views

12,543

Mentions per month

Jul 2025 – Oct 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News149 articles
  • X / Twitter25 posts
  • Bluesky12 posts
  • YouTube2 videos
  • Facebook2 posts
  • Blogs2 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The posts express agreement with the research, noting how it overturns old assumptions about male dominance, and demonstrate active interest through sharing links and summaries. The tone combines curiosity and skepticism, with some posts emphasizing the significance of the findings by calling the study a 'game-changer' and highlighting its challenge to traditional notions like the 'alpha male' myth.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge that the new research challenges traditional views on dominance, with some explicitly supporting the idea that male dominance is less universal than previously thought.

InterestHigh interest

There is a high level of curiosity and engagement with the research, with many posts urging readers to explore the article and share the findings, indicating strong interest.

EngagementModerate engagement

Posts go beyond mere mentions, referencing specific findings, such as the rarity of alpha males, and discussing implications, reflecting a moderate deep level of engagement.

ImpactModerate impact

The discussions suggest that the research could influence perspectives on gender roles and dominance in primate societies, hinting at notable impact within scientific and general communities.

Abstract in brief

  • Malefemale dominance relations in primates are highly variable, with roughly half of all contests being between males and females, but males tend to win most of these encounters in less than 20% of populations.
  • Female-biased dominance is mostly found in species where females have significant reproductive control, such as in monogamous or arboreal species, and where female competition is intense or reproductive costs are lower.
  • Male-biased dominance tends to occur in polygynous, dimorphic, and ground-living species, often relying on physical strength, while females may use alternative strategies like reproductive control to achieve empowerment.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Dieter Lukas
@dieterlukas.fediscience.org.ap.brid.gy · Bluesky

Our #study finds that #male #dominance isn't the norm among #primates, and starts to unravel what shapes flexibility in intersexual power paper (OA) https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2500405122 press release https://www.mpg.de/24986976/0630-evan-beyond-the-alpha-male-150495-x?c=2249

Jul 8, 2025 · 75 likes · 55 shares View post →
Mos.
@KovitzMos · X

Maintenant que vous savez qu'on ne parle que de "ne pas dominer plus de 90% du temps", la conclusion de l'article de France Info va vous étonner. N'hésitez pas à lire le papier d'origine pour vous faire votre avis il est en accès libre : https://t.co/UT7CEPnzQY https://t.co/TsorTf0sRx

Jul 8, 2025 · 29 likes · 4,746 followers View post →
PNASNews
@PNASNews · X

One of the most-viewed PNAS articles in the last week is “The evolution of male–female dominance relations in primate societies.” Explore the article here: https://t.co/QkyBCs6clg For more trending articles, visit https://t.co/EpncE6fPWr. https://t.co/6zc8xEUBp8

Jul 17, 2025 · 23 likes · 5 shares · 181,391 followers View post →
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
@pnas.org · Bluesky

One of the most-viewed PNAS articles in the last week is “The evolution of male–female dominance relations in primate societies.” Explore the article here: www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/... For more trending articles, visit ow.ly/Me2U50SkLRZ.

Aug 4, 2025 · 8 likes View post →
Raymond Hames (@rayhames.bsky.social)
@HamesRaymond · X

Important pieces on female and male dominance in primates at https://t.co/iVdYnnbD5P https://t.co/Dkom16GqcM

Sep 29, 2025 · 4 likes · 751 followers View post →
Guillermo Lopez Lluch
@glopllu69 · X

La guerra de sexos y la dominancia del macho sobre la hembra sustentada en la evolución natural derruida como un castillo de naipes. Todo un invento para que manden los barbudos The evolution of male–female dominance relations in primate societies | PNAS https://t.co/htFoJTydwa

Jul 16, 2025 · 3 likes · 1 share · 1,510 followers View post →

All mentions

Radical Anthropology
@radicalanthro.c.im.ap.brid.gy · Bluesky

Their key paper this summer https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2500405122

Oct 1, 2025 View post →
Raymond Hames (@rayhames.bsky.social)
@HamesRaymond · X

Important pieces on female and male dominance in primates at https://t.co/iVdYnnbD5P https://t.co/Dkom16GqcM

Sep 29, 2025 · 4 likes · 751 followers View post →
Maria Eugenia
@mediiorio · X

RT @BlausteinMatias: El trabajo se puede ver en: https://t.co/JJil9SXZru

Aug 11, 2025 · 1 share · 52 followers View post →
Matías Blaustein
@BlausteinMatias · X

El trabajo se puede ver en: https://t.co/JJil9SXZru

Aug 10, 2025 · 1 like · 1 share · 3,475 followers View post →
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
@pnas.org · Bluesky

One of the most-viewed PNAS articles in the last week is “The evolution of male–female dominance relations in primate societies.” Explore the article here: www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/... For more trending articles, visit ow.ly/Me2U50SkLRZ.

Aug 4, 2025 · 8 likes View post →
Virgo of GQD
@Virgo_of_GQD · X

The myth of the alpha male. https://t.co/Q5P9hWzBu6 https://t.co/5LNaC3huxE

Jul 31, 2025 · 1,046 followers View post →
Virgo of GQD
@Virgo_of_GQD · X

The myth of the alpha male. https://t.co/5LNaC3huxE

Jul 31, 2025 · 1,046 followers View post →
Grok
@grok · X

@CriosAdriao @Metropoles A notícia baseia-se em artigo da DW Brasil (14/07/2025), que cita estudo no PNAS: "The evolution of male–female dominance relations in primate societies", autores E.H., P.M.K., N.S., C.F., D.L., publicado em 07/07/2025, DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2500405122. Bibliografia principal

Jul 28, 2025 · 1 like · 6,428,756 followers View post →
Curiosity
@PlantEnergyUniv · X

RT @PNASNews: One of the most-viewed PNAS articles in the last week is “The evolution of male–female dominance relations in primate societi…

Jul 18, 2025 · 5 shares · 29 followers View post →
Jesus Fernandez
@tlalcoyotech · X

RT @PNASNews: One of the most-viewed PNAS articles in the last week is “The evolution of male–female dominance relations in primate societi…

Jul 18, 2025 · 5 shares · 4 followers View post →
Krish Sanghvi
@KrishSangvi · X

RT @PNASNews: One of the most-viewed PNAS articles in the last week is “The evolution of male–female dominance relations in primate societi…

Jul 18, 2025 · 5 shares · 29 followers View post →
Richard Jonathan O Taduran
@rjotaduran · X

The evolution of male–female dominance relations in primate societies | PNAS https://t.co/Y5482r5hle

Jul 18, 2025 · 347 followers View post →
Lehman College Biostatistics
@LC_biostat · X

RT @PNASNews: One of the most-viewed PNAS articles in the last week is “The evolution of male–female dominance relations in primate societi…

Jul 18, 2025 · 5 shares · 87 followers View post →
Achille Watergutt
@AchGutt · X

RT @PNASNews: One of the most-viewed PNAS articles in the last week is “The evolution of male–female dominance relations in primate societi…

Jul 17, 2025 · 5 shares · 173 followers View post →
PNASNews
@PNASNews · X

One of the most-viewed PNAS articles in the last week is “The evolution of male–female dominance relations in primate societies.” Explore the article here: https://t.co/QkyBCs6clg For more trending articles, visit https://t.co/EpncE6fPWr. https://t.co/6zc8xEUBp8

Jul 17, 2025 · 23 likes · 5 shares · 181,391 followers View post →
kim_harding ✅
@kim-harding.mastodon.scot.ap.brid.gy · Bluesky

The evolution of male–female dominance relations in primate societies https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2500405122 Males were long believed to dominate females socially in most primates. Recent studies have challenged this perspective, paving the way for a more comprehensive exploration of […]

Jul 16, 2025 · 1 like · 3 shares View post →
kim_harding ✅
@kim-harding.mastodon.scot.ap.brid.gy · Bluesky

Alpha males are surprisingly rare among primates https://theconversation.com/alpha-males-are-surprisingly-rare-among-primates-new-research-260472 Original research paper here https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2500405122

Jul 16, 2025 · 1 share View post →
Elena
@Elena38845461 · X

RT @glopllu69: La guerra de sexos y la dominancia del macho sobre la hembra sustentada en la evolución natural derruida como un castillo de…

Jul 16, 2025 · 1 share · 166 followers View post →
Guillermo López Lluch
@glopllu.bsky.social · Bluesky

La guerra de sexos y la dominancia del macho sobre la hembra sustentada en la evolución natural derruida como un castillo de naipes. Todo un invento para que manden los barbudos The evolution of male–female dominance relations in primate societies | PNAS www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...

Jul 16, 2025 · 1 like View post →
Guillermo Lopez Lluch
@glopllu69 · X

La guerra de sexos y la dominancia del macho sobre la hembra sustentada en la evolución natural derruida como un castillo de naipes. Todo un invento para que manden los barbudos The evolution of male–female dominance relations in primate societies | PNAS https://t.co/htFoJTydwa

Jul 16, 2025 · 3 likes · 1 share · 1,510 followers View post →
Detlef Gronenborn
@dgron.bsky.social · Bluesky

Interesting results supporting a more balanced interpretation: The evolution of male–female dominance relations in primate societies | PNAS www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...

Jul 16, 2025 · 2 likes · 1 share View post →
Yves Nadeau CD, M.A., LL.M.
@Farang2010 · X

Pour consulter l'étude (en anglais): https://t.co/tccZzHnGa1 Un mythe, le «mâle alpha»? https://t.co/mWKl5booEi @LeDevoir

Jul 14, 2025 · 615 followers View post →
Dr. Guillaume & le Voyage de Darwin
@voyagedarwinbeagle.bsky.social · Bluesky

L'étude de Huchard et al. (2025) est également disponible ici : The evolution of male–female dominance relations in primate societies www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...

Jul 12, 2025 · 2 likes · 1 share View post →
beppedeleonardis
@bedel1945 · X

Il "maschio alfa” è solo un mito, secondo un nuovo studio Il dominio dei maschi tra i primati sarebbe un'idea preconcetta. Lo dimostra uno studio scientifico effettuato su 253 popolazioni di primati. https://t.co/RuUrsVwVPh

Jul 11, 2025 · 1,355 followers View post →
Foti Benlisoy
@fotibenlisoy · X

Historically it was assumed that males dominate females socially in most mammals. However recent studies reveal significant variation within and among species opening new possibilities to explore the extent and drivers of sex biases in dominance relations https://t.co/6I5x8LsFJ8

Jul 10, 2025 · 1 like · 29,793 followers View post →
Pat Sweeney
@Resmach55 · X

The evolution of male–female dominance relations in primate societies | PNAS https://t.co/h9bbxRWhBz

Jul 10, 2025 · 932 followers View post →
BehavEcolPapers
@behavecolpapers.bsky.social · Bluesky

The #evolution of male-female dominance relations in primate societies PubMed

Jul 10, 2025 View post →
Gohahwei
@Gohahwei1 · X

RT @johnthejack: The evolution of male–female dominance relations in primate societies https://t.co/FYnMC6GQVp https://t.co/mCiI6GJnEm

Jul 10, 2025 · 1 share · 2,316 followers View post →
John Peters
@johnthejack · X

The evolution of male–female dominance relations in primate societies https://t.co/FYnMC6GQVp https://t.co/mCiI6GJnEm

Jul 10, 2025 · 1 like · 1 share · 4,896 followers View post →
John Peters
@johnthejack.bsky.social · Bluesky

The evolution of male–female dominance relations in primate societies www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...

Jul 10, 2025 View post →
SC@GIN
@scnpc.bsky.social · Bluesky

The evolution of male–female dominance relations in primate societies - Elise Huchard et al. in @pnas.org Juillet 2025 www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...

Jul 9, 2025 View post →
Dieter Lukas
@dieterlukas.fediscience.org.ap.brid.gy · Bluesky

Our #study finds that #male #dominance isn't the norm among #primates, and starts to unravel what shapes flexibility in intersexual power paper (OA) https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2500405122 press release https://www.mpg.de/24986976/0630-evan-beyond-the-alpha-male-150495-x?c=2249

Jul 8, 2025 · 75 likes · 55 shares View post →
Bipartisan Alliance
@jorgemata · X

The evolution of male–female dominance relations in primate societies https://t.co/1tkvtkJPV8

Jul 8, 2025 · 188 followers View post →
Mos.
@KovitzMos · X

Maintenant que vous savez qu'on ne parle que de "ne pas dominer plus de 90% du temps", la conclusion de l'article de France Info va vous étonner. N'hésitez pas à lire le papier d'origine pour vous faire votre avis il est en accès libre : https://t.co/UT7CEPnzQY https://t.co/TsorTf0sRx

Jul 8, 2025 · 29 likes · 4,746 followers View post →
Radical Anthropology
@radicalanthro.c.im.ap.brid.gy · Bluesky

The evolution of male–female dominance relations in primate societies | PNAS https://share.google/UDNql9roPjCyboFhR

Jul 8, 2025 · 1 share View post →
Sarah Renee Phillips, Ph.D.
@EcoEvoGal · X

The evolution of male–female dominance relations in primate societies | PNAS

Jul 8, 2025 · 1,455 followers View post →
Julien
@__julienf__ · X

@npopravka @franceinfo J'avais déjà cherché, j'en avais pas vu. Càd j'avais vu que le seul lien présent n'était PAS un lien vers l'article. Mais c'est un communiqué qui, lui, donne le lien de l'article, my bad. https://t.co/YgvUFQr4a8

Jul 8, 2025 · 641 followers View post →