A hierarchical order exists within the pack; every animal knows its place in that order. ... Wolves live in packs because cooperation allows them to bring down larger prey. The male and female leaders of the pack are called the breeding pair (formerly referred to as alphas).

What is the hierarchy of a wolf pack?

In most wolf packs, there will be an alpha male and female and frequently an omega male and female. In wolf hierarchy, the males tend to dominate other males and the females dominate other females so that there is generally a low ranking member of each sex.

What are the ranks of a wolf?

A pack of wolves usually comprises a dominant (alpha) pair; an individual or a couple following in importance, and most likely to replace the current alphas (referred to as the beta pair); next in line, are individuals in the middle ranks, these are followed by one or more wolves of the lowest (omega) rank.