Pack (canine)
Animals which typically predominate over others are associated with the term "alpha". Among pack-living wolves, alpha wolves are the genetic parents of most cubs in the pack. Such access to mating females creates strong selective pressure for intra-sex competition.
Attachment behaviour in wolves
Wolves are animals which live in social groups referred to as packs and are known for forming affiliative bonds with others in their packs. Wolves in packs are known for initiating play with one another. It has been observed that wolves initiating play are not doing so randomly. It may be a reflection of the relationships present in the pack and will reflect the tension, cooperation, and competition present. Tensions are noted to become higher around breeding session where the cost and benefits are weighed against each other. Female wolves are known for being the main initiators of affiliative interactions though a small percentage of males will initiate affiliative interactions. The omega male was not a target of any affiliative interaction. In other studies researchers have separated the most dominant wolf and the most subordinate wolves. It was recorded that the dominant wolf spent less time sleeping and showed more behavioural stress compared to the omega wolf. The dominant wolf was reported to rest in the section of his enclosure closest to his pack. It has been noted by researchers that the younger subordinate wolves seem to have less attachment to their pack compared to their higher ranking compatriots.