All animals are not of a social nature, but there are some that have some very interesting social behaviour. An animal social group would be defined when a group of animals do the majority of life’s events together. Some groups are more social than others and spend all of their time together as a group, or pack.
* Gorrillas *
Gorillas are commonly known to be of a social nature. The DNA of a gorilla is 98% similar to that of a human being. Just like humans, gorillas like to interact with their own species. The Silverback gorilla is normally the leader of the group. A group will usually consist of 5-30 gorillas, ranging in age and size. The groups objective is to find food, use survival techniques, and rest. The Silverback leads the group to various feeding and resting grounds. Sometimes events will occur in which one particular group will split and search for a new group. If the silverback dies, or is killed then the group will split to look for a new leader. Gorillas are very social and protective animals, they usually live until they are 30-50 years of age.
* Dogs *
Dogs are very social animals, they consider their social group to be the humans that take care of them. They are also social towards other dogs too, and in the wild they can form packs. Domestic dogs are loyal, can be hard working, and most loving towards their human care givers. If they are trained properly they are social with most people and other dogs too.
*Dolphins *
Dolphins have got to be one of the most social animals on the planet. They live in pods of up to 12, they are also known to create Superpods, which can have thousands of dolphins in one group. Their great communication skills and intelligence makes them a very social group. Dolphins have been known to care for their injured companions, bringing them to the surface to enable them to breath. They have been said to have helped humans from shark attacks by swimming circles around the person to ward off the attacking shark.
* Lions *
Lions are known to form groups called prides. The group will be usually 2 male lions and around 6 females with cubs of both sexes. Lions form these groups to help with hunting, territorial gain, and protection. Lions show their social behaviour towards one another by rubbing heads and licking each other. This social activity often occurs if a member of the pride returns from a long journey, or has been in a battle.
* Meerkats *
Meerkats are another social animal, they tend to live in groups of 20-30. These animals will groom themselves to further develop a social bond within the group. Meerkats are in groups for protection and companionship. One or two of the group will be on the look out for danger, while the others are playing. There are many other groups of social animals, but these are some of the more interesting one’s.
All these animals have a particluarly interesting social life, their behaviour shows a pattern that is common to groups of this type. There are many more groups of animals that are social in nature, but these groups are on the more social level.
