Problem:
Scientists studying elephant herds have learned that these massive animals organize themselves according to a complex social hierarchy. For example, a matriarch-often the oldest and largest female elephant-is the herd's leader. The matriarch sometimes guides several hundred elephants that can be divided into smaller family units. As individuals, female elephants have different levels of social importance based on factors such as age and experience. This intricate social leveling ensures that the herd functions cohesively and effectively for its survival. What is the meaning of hierarchy as used in the passage? Need Assignment Help?