Social network structure scales with group size in a multi-species analysis

Abstract

Social networks can shape the evolution and transmission of behaviours. Recent studies have characterized social networks within species, but we know relatively little about the drivers of variation in the structure of social networks across species. Here, we analyze a database of 631 social networks from more than 30 animal species to test how social network properties scale with group size. We examine three properties of social network topology: the uniformity of edge weights within the group, the selectivity of individuals for particular social partners, and the amount of heterogeneity among individuals in social behaviour. We show that most of the variation in these three network properties is due to differences between focal species and/or study methodologies, with only negligible differences between the three animal classes in our analysis (birds, mammals, and insects). Our analysis also indicates that group size is the key factor that determines the topology of animal social networks. In smaller groups, edge weights are distributed more uniformly, and individuals show greater selectivity regarding their social partners. These results suggest that there are general scaling rules governing the social networks of diverse animal species. In small groups, individuals form strong connections to a selective set of partners, whereas in large groups, weaker ties are common, and individuals are less likely to limit their interactions to specific partners. Significance StatementSociality is observed throughout the animal kingdom. Animal societies also vary widely in group size, from a few individuals to groups with millions on individuals. How do animal social networks vary across this spectrum? We investigated this question using data compiled from recent bird, mammal, and insect studies. Surprisingly, we found broad overlap in the social network structures of these three distinct animal classes. We tested the effect of group size on social network structure, and found that in small groups, individuals form stronger social ties with preferred social partners; by contrast, animals in large groups have weaker and less selective social ties. These results suggest that diverse animal groups are governed by similar processes that determine the structure of their social networks.