Social Behaviors

In evolutionary terms, the domestic chicken is one of the most successful species on Earth. There are an estimated 20 billion chickens alive right now — almost three times as many as there are humans. Apparently, “tasting good to people so they’ll protect you” is a pretty effective evolutionary strategy — aside from that whole “they eat you” thing. Statistically, every human on the planet eats the equivalent of 27 individual chickens every year. More than just a food source, though, the humble chicken has taught us some important lessons. Through the careful observation of a chicken flock, one of the most important principles of social biology was uncovered — one that applies equally well to humans: the pecking order. Read more on the “Politics of the Pecking Order” by using your smartphone camera to take a picture of this QR code.