Part I: The Lion

The African Lion is a magnificent species. Built as a dominant predator, these large cats of the genus Panthera can grow to a size of over 500 pounds . They reside in the savanna of Sub-Saharan Africa, where they hunt ungulates. Male lions have a lifespan of about 8 years in the wild. Female lions, on the other hand, can live up to 20 years. Females are pregnant for about 110 days and usually birth 2 or 3 cubs. The cubs nurse for 5 to 8 months.

Lions are more social than most other cats. Lionesses hunt in groups of up to 20 individuals. Male lions often move together, working in coalitions of between 2 and 9. These groups tend to stay together for years, and sometimes for life.

Brainstorm several hypotheses for why lions live in groups.

Specifically, why do male lions cooperate with one another in coalitions?

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