Killer whales, bonobo monkeys, African savanna elephants, and leafcutter ants all share a common trait: they all “depend” on females for survival and growth.
We have all heard that lions are the kings of the animal kingdom, but who is the queen?
The female spotted hyena is one of the fiercest queens of nature. They are not only larger and more aggressive than their male counterparts but also lead packs of six to 90 members, caring for their young longer than any other carnivorous species in Africa.
Not just hyenas, the animal kingdom has numerous populations led by females.
From some of the largest land animals to some of the strongest ocean dwellers — even to some of the smallest insects in the world — many species thrive and survive thanks to strong females teaching them survival skills, conflict resolution, and even sacrificing their lives for the entire group.
Leafcutter Ants
A queen leafcutter ant can live up to 20 years. (Source: National Geographic).
A colony of leafcutter ants can contain up to 8 million individuals, all ruled by a single queen. The queen governs her workers within complex “underground chambers” that can extend up to 50 feet (over 15m) wide and 16 feet (4.8m) deep.
A queen leafcutter ant can live up to 20 years, during which she can produce up to 200 million offspring and delegate the care and nurturing of them to the other workers in the colony.
Bonobo Monkeys
As humans’ closest relatives, bonobo “societies” are led by females who create strong friendships and are largely peaceful. They spend most of their time “grooming, eating, and socializing.”
However, when a male “harasses” a female and threatens their harmonious community, a group of female bonobos can band together and attack the “offender.”
Killer Whales
In a pod of killer whales, the matriarch is the most “knowledgeable.” The presence of a matriarch significantly increases the survival chances of calves. Evolutionary ecologist Dan Franks states that the death of a matriarch would have a “tremendous impact on the entire family.”
In fact, studies have shown that in the two years following the death of a matriarch, the mortality risk of calves significantly increases.
Female killer whales also live beyond their reproductive years, making them one of the few known animal species to experience menopause. Although females stop reproducing around the age of 40, they can live up to 90 years, while males typically live around 50 years.
African Savanna Elephants
In African savanna elephant herds, the oldest and largest females lead their families, passing down “wisdom” to younger females. (Source: National Geographic).
Among African savanna elephants, the oldest and largest females are the “supreme” individuals of the herd.
Many elephants spend their entire lives alongside their mothers and grandmothers. However, these matriarchs are not “tyrants.” Family members also “offer suggestions and discuss action plans.”
Younger “females” learn leadership skills by “caring” for calves, responding to their “anxious” calls, and helping newborns learn how to stand, walk, and swim.
