Social Structure of Painted Dogs

In the Okavango Delta, painted dog mothers introduce their pups to the pack. The social structure shifts to a matriarchy, with the dominant female nursing all pups. Conflict arises when a mother kidnaps a pup, but the dominant female reasserts control, showcasing her leadership and maternal prowess.

Where is the coming out party of the painted dogs taking place?

• Okavango Delta, Botswana

• Kruger National Park, South Africa

• Serengeti, Tanzania

• Maasai Mara, Kenya

What significant change occurs in the social structure of the painted dogs?

• A shift to a solitary lifestyle

• A shift to a democratic system

• A shift to an extreme matriarchy

• A shift to a patriarchal system

Who is responsible for nursing all the pups in the pack?

• The oldest female

• All mothers equally

• The dominant female

• The dominant male

How many pups does the dominant female nurse?

• 15

• 18

• 21

• 25

What is the reaction of the other mothers to being excluded from nursing?

• They form a new pack

• They become disgruntled

• They leave the pack

• They accept it peacefully

What action does one of the disgruntled mothers take?

• She leaves the pack

• She kidnaps a pup

• She stops feeding her own pups

• She challenges the dominant female

How does the dominant female respond to the kidnapping?

• She calls for a pack meeting

• She re-kidnaps the pup

• She punishes the mother

• She ignores it

What quality does the dominant female display in handling the situation?

• Indecisiveness

• Boldness

• Timidity

• Indifference