A group of individuals arranged in rank order. In some non-human primate species, each community has a distinct male and female dominance hierarchy. Every individual is ranked relative to all other community members of the same gender. In the case of rhesus macaque females, rank is determined by the relative rank of their mothers. Depending on the species, male ranking may be similarly determined by the mother's rank or it may be earned in competition with other males. Individuals who are higher in the dominance hierarchy usually have greater access to food, sex, and other desirable things. See alpha male and female.