7. The Social Use of Space 



61 



later sections, I shall present data which support the hypothesis that a 

 group size of twelve has been phylogenetically retained in more highly 

 evolved forms. 



For the present, let us examine fm'ther implications of constellation 

 formation upon the structure of the small mammal community. Con- 



FiG. 27. The theoretical constellation phase of intraspecific community organization 

 of dominant species. A 3-sigma radius home range for alpha individuals is z-epresented 

 by the large circle. Small circles represent 1-sigma radius portions of all members of a 

 constellation. Contraction of home range by beta and alpha members permits the more 

 intensively used portion of the home ranges of all individuals to fall mostly within the 

 3-sigma radius home range of the dominant alpha members. Crosshatched circles 

 represent the 1-sigma portion of the home range of alpha individuals. 



