Food scarcity
Hyenas are scavengers, and they often have to compete with other predators for food. In times of food scarcity, it is often more difficult for males to find food than females. This is because males are generally smaller than females and they do not have the same access to resources. As a result, females are often able to outcompete males for food.
Competition for mates
Female hyaenas are also more likely to compete for mates than males. This is because female hyaenas are able to reproduce more frequently than males. This is due to the fact that female hyaenas do not have to go through a period of estrus, or heat. As a result, female hyaenas can mate multiple times throughout the year. This puts pressure on males to compete for females, and it also helps to ensure that the strongest and most aggressive males are able to reproduce.
Female dominance
The combination of food scarcity and competition for mates has led to the evolution of female dominance in hyaenas. Female hyaenas are larger, more aggressive, and more successful at reproducing than males. As a result, female hyaenas dominate the social hierarchy and males must submit to them.
This unusual social structure has a number of advantages for hyaenas. It allows them to better compete for food and it ensures that the strongest and most aggressive males are able to reproduce. This ultimately helps to ensure the survival of the hyaena species.
