Why some wild animals prefer to live in groups: Benefits of having friends

13.07.2023 18:30
Updated: 13.05.2024 21:24

While some animals prefer living and hunting alone, others live in groups.

It's not only about communication - this approach actually benefits them a lot.

Let's find out more.

Increased hunting success

Many pack-living animals are predators that rely on hunting for food. 

Living in a pack allows them to work together to capture larger prey, defend territory, and increase their hunting success rate. 

lemurs
Photo:Pixabay

Protection and defense

When animals live in groups, they can collectively defend themselves and their territory more effectively. 

Group members can cooperate to fend off attackers, warn each other of potential dangers, and share the burden of keeping watch. 

Efficient resource utilization

Living in packs allows animals to efficiently utilize limited resources in their environment. 

By sharing and dividing tasks, they can maximize the use of food, water, shelter, and other resources. 

Enhanced reproductive success

Pack living can also lead to increased reproductive success. 

In some species, dominant individuals within the pack may have priority access to mates and breeding opportunities, which promotes the passing on of their genetic traits. 

Social bonding and cooperation

Pack living promotes social bonding and cooperation among its members. 

Animals in packs often engage in social behaviors such as grooming, playing, and vocal communication, which strengthen their social bonds and reduce aggression within the group. 
 

Author: Kate Yakimchuk Editor internet resource

Content
  1. Increased hunting success
  2. Protection and defense
  3. Efficient resource utilization
  4. Enhanced reproductive success
  5. Social bonding and cooperation