Making Friends of Friends Benefits Hyenas
The article discusses a study done at University of Pennsylvania about spotted hyenas regarding their social interactions with other hyenas. Using a type of mathematical modeling, researchers were able to see how multiple factors affect network dynamics. Researchers have discovered that spotted hyenas were capable of triadic closure in order to “facilitate efficient cooperation and hence maximize fitness”. Since hyenas can live for up to 2 decades, this form of social clustering can be very beneficial. Each cluster, however, is not all created equal. Males tend to have strict rules regarding who they bond with, whereas females, because they are the dominant sex, tend to change their preferences overtime. At the same time, females tend to stay in their clans whereas males will disperse. Nevertheless, studying these hyenas can provide insight into cooperation patterns and how it can be implemented into other species.
Just like how the researchers analyzed the hyenas’ social interactions, we learned in class of triadic closure and the likelihood for person C to meet person B if person A knows B and C. There are many reasons for this whether that be similarity or incentive or benefits. In this article, forming these bonds serves these purposes. These bonds can help the clan as protection against predators. At the same time, each clan is different, as both males and females still have their distinct preferences. This can be useful in that when a clan meets another clan, a local bridge can be formed, exchanging novel ideas.
Article Link: https://news.upenn.edu/news/making-friends-friends-benefits-hyenas-penn-biologist-finds