The Machiavellians of the Animal Kingdom
When it comes to power plays, humans are not alone. Power—or more specifically the quest to attain and maintain power—lies at the heart of almost all animal societies. The subtle, and often not-so-subtle, ways that animals seek power over those around them are astonishing and informative, both in and of themselves and because they provide an evolutionary window through which we can better understand behavioral dynamics in group-living species.
One of the most informative insights into power dynamics is seen in mongooses. Mongooses mostly live in Africa and have long and slender bodies and one fierce demeanor. They may be most famous for attacking cobras. What mongooses demonstrate to evolutionary biologists is that individuals can increase their own power via their group. Michael
