The pack of wolves consists of alpha-male, an alpha-female, and beta-male, wolves of the lowest rank of both sex and of the puppies that are outside of hierarchy. During the mating season and before it alpha-female extremely aggressively treats all pubescent females. Though she prefers alpha-male, but she can copulate also with other pubescent males, including low ranking. But more often she keeps in touch with alpha-male. After the estrus her aggression sharply falls, and she friendly behaves with all pack members that promotes an establishment of favorable climate in family for growing puppies. Alpha-male is the real leader in the pack - it friendly treats all its members, but exceptionally aggressively he meets strangers. Almost all activity of the pack is concentrated around him; also he possesses the leadership in marking behavior. Beta-male - is the most probable successor of alpha-male.
Usually this is alpha-male's or female's son or brother, or their common. Thus, he is closely connected with bonds of relatives with puppies, being their elder brother or the uncle. Beta-male shows high aggression toward lowranking members of the pack, but sometimes it is also addressed highranking animals. Beta-male, showing aggression to alpha-male, periodically checks the status of the last as he is his successor in hierarchy and he is constantly ready to take his place. The role of lowranking males is defined first of all by advantages, which are received by the pack from collective hunting on large hoofed animals that often are much larger than predators. Chances of lowranking males to leave posterity are quite limited. They are compelled to wait long time of their turn in the hierarchical purpose of leadership. At the same time such animals are the most probable candidate for the leader's position in new pack.
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