We’ve wrapped up election season in America. We cast our votes and made our voices heard. Although rallies, campaigns and the electoral college are uniquely human, politics take place among many types of animal species.
Animals often live in large societies. So how do they decide when to move, where to nest or what routes to fly? Often, they vote! Seriously. Collective action emerges from the cooperation of many individuals, and animal society is made up of extreme complexity.
Deer stand up
To make their desires considered, red deer have to stand up. Not all deer are ready to move at the same time, so a vote of sorts takes place to prompt a movement of the herd. Scientists found that once 60 percent of adults stand up, herds will move. Even if one particular individual is more dominant, herds will usually favor democratic decisions over the influence of the few.
If bees dance, why don’t we?
When proposing new nesting sites, honeybees engage in a unique political discourse. Scout bees perform a “waggle dance” to indicate where they would like the colony to nest. Persuading the colony might not be that easy, however, as dozens may compete to swing the decision. Thomas Seely from Cornell University called it “a popularity contest with a dance party.” In my opinion, this highlights the disappointing lack of dance parties in the U.S. political system.
Low ranking pigeons still get a say
As they fly, each pigeon has a say in where they’re headed. Biologists at Oxford University say that pigeons have complex social hierarchies, and that even low-ranking birds get a vote on the flock’s next flight. Most birds get a say, but a flexible system of rank allows some birds to lead and some to more commonly follow.
Unfortunately for many species, their politics aren’t able to save them from human threats such as habitat loss or fragmentation. But our political system can.
Bills such as the Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act and others ensure that animals across the country can continue to survive, and vote.
