Dr. L. David Mech talks about the terms "alpha" and "beta" wolves and why they are no longer scientifically accurate.
This video was linked via haleysolo in this post . I just wanted to add a link to this clip on its own for easier reference. The terms of 'alpha' pack members are used incorrectly to describe dingo social structures as well. As with some wolf species, dingoes practice selective breeding - that is, there is only one breeding pair within an extended family group, which can extend over more than one territory. The breeding pair is often described as the 'alpha' pair, but as Dr Mech describes, this position of 'alpha' is not taken by force or maintained with aggressive behaviour. It is logically given and earned as providers to younger animals (offspring) who disperse gradually as they mature in surrounding areas, or staying within the same area as their parents if resources allow for such arrangements.
