Hyena relatives
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Hyena Relatives: Ecological and Social Diversity in the Family Hyaenidae
Evolutionary History and Diversity of Hyenas
The family Hyaenidae, though currently represented by only four extant species, was once a diverse and widespread group. During the Late Miocene, at least 24 different hyena species roamed Eurasia and Africa, showcasing a variety of forms from robust bone-crackers to dog-like species. This diversity has significantly declined, leaving only the aardwolf (Proteles cristata), the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), the brown hyena (Parahyaena brunnea), and the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) as the surviving members.
Spotted Hyena Societies: Complex Social Structures
Spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) exhibit complex social structures known as clans, which are similar to those of cercopithecine primates like baboons and macaques. These clans are characterized by hierarchical structures and frequent social interactions among both kin and non-kin. Despite intense competition for food resources, spotted hyenas maintain strong social bonds, particularly with kin, which suggests that selection pressures favor both individual and matrilineal kin group cooperation within clans .
Striped Hyena Sociality: Solitary Yet Polyandrous
In contrast to the gregarious spotted hyenas, striped hyenas (Hyaena hyaena) are generally solitary but exhibit polyandrous spatial groupings. These groups typically consist of one adult female and multiple adult males, who may or may not be closely related. Interestingly, relatedness among females increases with geographic distance, possibly as a strategy to avoid competition for resources . This behavioral plasticity indicates that striped hyenas can adapt their social structures based on ecological conditions.
Brown Hyena: Low Genetic Diversity and Helping Behavior
The brown hyena (Parahyaena brunnea) is the rarest of the extant hyena species, with a population of fewer than 10,000 individuals. This species exhibits extremely low genetic diversity due to a prolonged decline in effective population size. Despite this, brown hyenas display helping behaviors, particularly among related individuals. Females are more likely to provision young that are distantly related, while males tend to help closer kin, such as half-siblings.
Aardwolf: Specialized Insectivores
The aardwolf (Proteles cristata) is unique among hyenas for its specialized diet, primarily consisting of termites. This species is largely nocturnal and occupies a different ecological niche compared to its carnivorous relatives.
Extinct Relatives: Cave and Giant Hyenas
The evolutionary history of hyenas also includes extinct relatives like the cave hyenas (genus Crocuta) and the giant short-faced hyena (Pachycrocuta brevirostris). Cave hyenas, which were closely related to the extant spotted hyenas, roamed Eurasia during the Pleistocene but became extinct at the end of this period. The giant short-faced hyena, known for its massive size and bone-cracking capabilities, was distributed across Eurasia during the Early and Middle Pleistocene. Recent findings suggest that the European morphotype of this species also appeared in Northeast Asia, indicating a possible "out of Northeast Asia" dispersal hypothesis.
Conclusion
The family Hyaenidae, though currently limited in species diversity, exhibits a remarkable range of ecological and social behaviors. From the complex clan structures of spotted hyenas to the solitary yet polyandrous nature of striped hyenas, and the specialized insectivory of aardwolves, these animals demonstrate significant adaptability. Understanding the evolutionary history and social dynamics of these fascinating creatures provides valuable insights into their survival and adaptation strategies.
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