Now, a new study by researchers at Duke University reveals that the pups of these female leaders pay a price for their mom's power. In meerkat society, a dominant female is in charge. Growling ...

That’s essentially the cooperative breeding system of meerkat groups, in which one dominant male and female monopolize the mating and pup-bearing. What helps that female keep her coveted position?

If someone eats their mother, the daughters have a reasonable chance of taking over afterwards. 4. Meerkats will give away 40% of their food to the young pups During the first four months of pup ...