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Alexis Herrera
There are Many Important Roles in a Wolf Pack
A wolf pack is made up of animals related to each other by blood and family.
The core of a pack is a mated pair of wolves an adult male and female breed and most packs have 6 or 7 members. The alpha male and female are the oldest members of the pack and the ones with the most experience in hunting, defending territory, and other important activities.
The alpha wolves are usually the ones to make decisions for the pack when the group should go out to hunt or move from one place to another. The other members of the wolf pack have roles too. The young adult wolves, who are the oldest offspring of the alpha pair, have their own pacific roles under the leadership of the alpha or their parents. Some of them are able to “boss around,” or dominate, their sisters and brothers. The young adult wolf are usually physically larger size or have greater strength, but it can be based on the personality of the wolves in the pack or the wolf that is more aggressive and forceful personalities than their relatives of the same age.
They all take orders from their parents and older brothers and sisters, but their relationships with each other change often. During their play and other activities, they are constantly testing one another to find out who will eventually be the “top wolf” in their pack. This second-in-command rank of wolf is known as the Beta. The Beta wolves are occasionally allowed to breed. The Omega is the last raked wolf. Omega are often young, and is the nanny to the pups when the other wolves leave the den. They eat last, and are encouraged to leave the pack.
The study revealed that a pack behaves more like a big family. The male wolf, and his selected mate, strong enough to become the breeding pair would take on a Alpha, and all other wolves would adjust their social position to best serve the needs of the pack. The higher the rank, the more ability is given to the wolf to do what they want. Alphas can be challenged,Alpha wolves often leave the pack. Most lone wolves are usually a wolf in search of a new pack. Omegas and Alphas can be forced to leave their current pack, for various reasons. Therefore an Omega from one pack and an former Alpha from another can meet as lone wolves and start their own pack, and the hierarchy is reset. They breed, mixing bloodlines, and a healthier future for the wolf is ensured. Wolves are not born to a pacific position in the pack.

Resources: http://www.wolfweb.com/facts-pack.html
http://www.wolfcountry.net/information/WolfPack.html.
http://howlcolorado.org/2009/10/05/how-the-wolf-pack-works/