Figure 2.

Predictions about adaptive temporal patterns of GC production in a dominant versus subordinate individual in two different social systems: (a) where dominant individuals maintain elevated mean GC production relative to subordinate individuals and (b) where subordinate individuals maintain elevated mean GC production relative to dominant individuals. Square indicates mean GC concentration for dominant individuals, circle indicates mean GC concentration for subordinate individuals. (a) In the ‘stress dynamics of dominance’ scenario, the dominant individual has elevated mean GC production as a result of greater peak production compared with subordinate individuals; this is a pattern that may confer metabolic, reproductive, immune and/or cognitive benefits to the dominant individual and support increased survival/fitness. (b) In the ‘stress dynamics of subordination’ scenario, the subordinate individual has elevated mean GC production as a result of greater trough production and/or slower returns to baseline compared with dominant individuals, and this pattern may incur decreased fitness/survival benefits. (Online version in colour.)