Researchers from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research have uncovered a striking link between hyena social status and the activity of certain genes. The findings, published in Communication Biology, show that the social standing within a hyena clan leaves a measurable mark on gene regulation, as observed in the intestinal lining and reflected in immune function, energy use, and ion transport. This discovery adds a new layer to our understanding of how social life can reach into the body at the molecular level [Source: Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research].
In the study, biologists examined DNA methylation patterns in the intestinal epithelium derived from fecal samples of female hyenas occupying different ranks. DNA methylation is a key epigenetic mechanism through which the body can dial gene activity up or down in response to environmental factors such as access to food, climate, and physical exertion. By comparing high-ranking and low-ranking females, the team could trace how social environment translates into molecular changes, independent of the animal’s genetic sequence itself [Source: Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research].
It emerged that the social ladder within a clan correlates with altered activity in genes tied to the immune response, the conversion of energy, and the transport of ions across cell membranes. Notably, similar epigenetic patterns appeared in the offspring of the hyenas, indicating that the social context experienced by mothers can influence the next generation at a molecular level. These findings suggest that the benefits of higher status may extend beyond immediate access to resources to shaping the biology of descendants as well [Source: Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research].
The researchers propose that these gene activity shifts are connected to distinct hunting strategies linked to rank. Lower-ranking females are more prone to undertake longer foraging trips that demand sustained energy expenditures, which appears to be mirrored in the methylation marks and gene expression profiles. In contrast, high-ranking females enjoy priority access to food within the clan’s territory and hunt less frequently, a difference that corresponds with a different metabolic and immune gene regulation pattern. This divergence may help explain why higher-ranking offspring tend to receive more milk, grow more rapidly, and attain reproductive maturity sooner than their peers [Source: Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research].
In spotted hyena clans, females and their cubs hold social dominance over males, and the young learn their place within the hierarchy largely through maternal pathways. The study notes that cubs appear to absorb social cues and develop a sense of dominance by observing how their mothers interact with others. This maternal legibility in social order is essential for survival, as cubs that align with their mothers’ status tend to navigate the clan’s social network more effectively and defer to those whose mothers command respect [Source: Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research].
These insights add to a growing body of work on how social structure shapes biology in mammals. The findings emphasize that behavioral ecology and epigenetics can intersect in meaningful ways, influencing health, growth, and future reproductive success. The authors conclude that social status may leave lasting marks not just on behavior but on gene regulation that echoes across generations, underscoring the intricate links between environment, social life, and biology [Source: Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research].
Previous scientists solved The secret of cicadas’ runny urine [citation].