STATISTICAL-MODELS OF TRANSITIVE AND INTRANSITIVE DOMINANCE STRUCTURES

We present an approach based on generalized linear:models for analysin g dominance data. First, dominance is defined as a parameter character izing the relationship between two individuals, determining the expect ed number of successes of the first individual in disputes with the ot her. Second, models known from the literature of two different forms o f transitivity are defined in terms of these parameters, and examples of different tests of these models are given. Third, a new model is de veloped where the traits of individuals involved in the dominance inte ractions are included as covariates. Finally, we show how two forms of intransitive models of dominance structures can be constructed by inc luding a certain interaction term between the trait variables, and ter ms taking into account the effect of relatedness between the individua ls in the group. We reanalyse several data sets in the literature, and also discuss Appleby's method (1983, Anim. Behav., 31, 600-608), whic h is frequently used in analysis of dominance data. (C) 1998 The Assoc iation for the Study of Animal Behaviour.