DOMINANCE
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 978 ▶ |
| Object type | General information, Methodology or model |
In an ecosystem, the control by one species of the basic conditions of existence of other species, members of the system.
In systemic terms, dominance implies the establishment of a hierarchy and is characteristic of any socialization process.
According to R. FULLER and P. PUTNAM dominance is acquired through a random search process “… usually stopped by a sequence or combination of acts” (1967, p.104).
The dominant species controls the energy flows and the power circuits. For example, birches, oaks or palm trees control the micro-climatic conditions wherever they become the main element in the wood, which implies that some species can survive, and others cannot.
Within an animal group, dominance tends to instaure a hierarchic order that will diminish the wasteful use of resources due to infighting, and increase the global efficiency of the group.