Species of spotted hyenas inherit aggressiveness from ... mother

After more than two decades of studying wild spotted hyenas in Kenya, scientists at the University of Michigan have discovered a secret of animals that live in this matriarchy.

Female hyenas often help their children have a "good start" by giving them hormones that stimulate aggression, helping them win the survival struggle. It can be considered as a gift that the hyena is for children.

Scientists have proven that during pregnancy, the mother hyena possesses a high level of androgen, a hormone for "men", higher than normal. The hyenas will inherit this hormone and become stronger.

Spotted hyenas live in matriarchy, females are often "masculine", large and more powerful than males. However, they still retain the characteristics of females.

If the mother hyena is a high-ranking person in the herd, the female hyenas are born to enjoy hormones from their mothers, become good hunters and have the same position as their mothers.

Male hyenas with mothers are "boss bosses" are also stronger and more aggressive.

(Photo: bas)