A social animal is defined as any animal species that typically forms into societies.
Many ecologists are concerned with social behaviors, which are any behaviors specifically directed towards other members of the society. These can include cooperative, selfish, hurtful, or helpful behaviors. The sum of these behaviors determines the character of the society, such as its size and location, and the responsibilities of different societal members. For example, walruses live in coastal arctic regions, within herds containing up to several hundred individuals. Males within a herd are known to attack one another over disputes pertaining to female choice, territory, or food; however, entire herds have been known to come to the defense of a single member when placed in danger. Plants, fungi, and single-celled organisms are not considered social because their interactions are strictly dictated by physical and chemical needs. Thus they cannot behave, and without social behaviors a society is impossible.
Why Species Form Societies
The tendency of a species to form into societies is considered to be caused by the influence of natural selection.
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