Abstract
In many animal groups it is common to find a social structure. This social structure can come in the form of a dominance hierarchy in which high ranking individuals possess control over resources. Common correlates of dominance are body mass, age, and weapon or ornament size. Bighorn sheep (Ovis candensis) have been shown to establish linear dominance hierarchies in their sexually segregated groups. The type of hierarchy, correlates of dominance, and advantages and disadvantages of dominance for female groups were explored. Data analysed did not support the idea that ewes establish linear dominance hierarchies but did support that rank is correlated with age, and mass but not horn length. High ranked individuals had the advantage of leadership but the disadvantage of peripheral positions. No fitness consequences were associated with rank.
