Why do female hyenas lead the pack and not males?

It's not entirely accurate to say that female hyenas always lead the pack. While it's true that females hold the dominant position in spotted hyena society, their leadership isn't a rigid hierarchy like some other pack animals.

Here's a breakdown of why females hold the power:

* Social Structure: Spotted hyena packs are matriarchal, meaning females are the dominant gender. This is unusual in the animal kingdom, but it's deeply ingrained in their social structure.

* Hormones: Females produce high levels of testosterone, giving them a more aggressive and assertive nature. This testosterone is also responsible for developing their pseudopenis, an external genital organ that looks similar to a male's.

* Dominance Hierarchy: Within the pack, there is a clear hierarchy based on age, experience, and aggression. While females generally occupy the higher ranks, individual dominance can fluctuate depending on factors like fighting prowess.

* Reproductive Success: Female hyenas are responsible for raising cubs and the survival of the pack. This responsibility contributes to their dominant position within the social structure.

However, it's important to remember that leadership is not a fixed role in a spotted hyena pack. While females are generally dominant, individual hyenas, both male and female, can rise or fall in the ranks based on their abilities and actions.

It's more accurate to describe the spotted hyena pack structure as a female-dominated hierarchy with a complex interplay of power dynamics, not a simple case of "females always lead."