You have probably heard about Alpha, Beta, Omega, and similar terms. You might’ve heard them in the context of the animal kingdom and social hierarchy in the animal groups. If not, then you heard of people being described as Alpha, Beta, or Omega depending on their personalities. Were you wondering which one of these are you? If the answer is yes, you’ve come to the right place. Our quiz will help to find your place in the pecking order!
Wolves are likely the first animals coming to your mind when you heard the word “alpha”. Wolves are highly intelligent, social animals living in complex groups called packs. A wolf pack includes from eight to fifteen individuals and usually consists of blood-related members. In general, it’s a group of an alpha male, an alpha female, and their offspring. Every member of a pack has a specific role and rank. A wolf pack is a perfect example of well organized and structured group where everyone cares for each other. They play together, they take care of each other when someone is sick or injured, and they mourn and suffer when a member of the pack dies.
The alpha male is the dominant wolf and the leader of the pack. He holds the highest rank in the pack. He may not be the biggest, but he is the strongest, wisest, and most experienced wolf among the males. The alpha wolf leads the hunt; he chooses the prey and he gets to eat first. He makes sure that everything is in order and that everyone obeys the rules in the pack.
Those wolves who decide to disobey the alpha will not be spared the consequences. However, the alphas usually don’t show their dominance through aggression. Instead, they show it through different types of gestures such as starring, alpha roll, and scruff shaking.
The alpha female is the female chosen by the alpha wolf. These two are the leaders of the pack and the only couple allowed to breed. The alpha female controls the other females in the pack, however, both alpha male and alpha female may dominate either of the genders.
Interestingly enough, alpha females are not always the most dominant wolves in the pack. If the most dominant female is the alpha male’s sister, then the alpha male chooses a female from the lower ranks.
The beta wolf is the second in command after the alpha pair. If something happens to the current alpha male the beta takes its place. The beta wolf is also responsible to keep order in the lower ranks when the alpha is not there. Betas demand respect from the other members of the pack, as well. Quite often beta wolves challenge the alpha to take its place. In the mating season, they may even try to mate with the alpha female.
Besides the alpha male and female and the beta male, there are lower-ranking wolves who simply follow the Alpha pair as far as hunting and moving from one place to another is concerned. Depending on their strength and size, they might try fighting for the higher positions in the pack.
The omega wolf can be either male or female and is the scapegoat, the lowest ranking member of the pack. They eat last, and if the alpha demands it, they will not eat at all. They serve as a stress-reliever and means to unload the frustration to the other wolves in the group. This type of behavior prevents serious conflicts to happen among the other members of the pack.
Sometimes a wolf can’t fit in the pack, thus becoming a lone wolf. An omega wolf or a sickly alpha wolf who can no longer lead his pack may be picked on or physically challenged to the point of leaving the group. Leaving the pack is risky, as it means leaving behind the protection other members offer. A lone wolf has to be careful not to cross into lands belonging to other packs.
Leaving doesn’t always mean a life of loneliness. Wolves are social creatures, after all, and they don’t want to live alone if they don’t have to. A lone wolf may eventually find a pack led by a weak alpha and challenge him for his position. Or, it may catch the scent of a wolf from another pack that’s ready to mate, and it may seek out that breeding wolf.
Alpha, beta, omega – each personality is different. These traits define how you will interact with others and may help you achieve success. Remember that it doesn’t really matter which personality you are – as long as you live life to the fullest, respect others’ boundaries, and don’t harm anyone, it’s all good!
What kind of “wolf” are you? Is your place at the top or the bottom? Are you an Alpa, Beta, or Omega? Take the quiz we prepared and find out your place in the social hierarchy!