August 12, 2021
When thinking about social animals you may think of humans, orcas or elephants, but chances are you didn’t think of giraffes. In the past, researchers determined that giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) were ‘socially aloof’, that their groups had no social structure and that these majestic creatures did not form lasting social bonds with one another, other than mothers and calves.
Researchers from the University of Bristol have reviewed an enormous quantity of existing data about giraffes and believe these earlier assumptions were entirely incorrect. Their review has shown that while there are solitary giraffes, there are also small groups that have the same members for years at a time. These small groups, of three to nine animals, often include three generations of related females. This finding is indicative of ‘matrilineal’ society, meaning that the female relationships are key to their groups.
Because there are three generations of related females in social groups it is likely evidence that females beyond their reproductive age play an important role. This is known in science as the ‘grandmother hypothesis’, that these older females assist in raising the younger generations. This same phenomenon occurs in elephants, humans, orcas and other social species.
Species that have evolved to live beyond their fertile years and provide care to their daughters and grandchildren provide their relatives with an evolutionary advantage. These grandmother giraffes allow their daughters to have and care for more children, thereby ensuring that their genes are passed on to as many grandchildren as possible. Passing on their genes for longevity, and helpful traits like cooperation ensure that their grandchildren will be well adapted to their environment. This is survival of the fittest in action.
The researchers note that proving that the ‘grandmother hypothesis’ is at play in giraffe groups will require further research. They also highlight the need to further study just how giraffes communicate, as they must be able to communicate effectively with one another if they live in social groups. Further research into this iconic species is imperative. A better understanding of the giraffe’s social system will lead to a better understanding of their conservation needs, and will hopefully ensure their protection of this highly social species.
Source: ScienceAlert
Learn more: https://www.sciencealert.com/giraffes-have-been-deeply-misunderstood-they-re-actually-as-complexly-social-as-elephants
