I think the question becomes: “Is what we (or more accurately, what you in this scenario) refer to as ‘alpha lines’ actually what and how we/you perceive them, or are we/you simply projecting false meanings onto nature, in efforts to make nature more like us?”

In my work I describe [the principle of] authority as being “the power to determine meanings, order and the outcome of events.”

Unlike systems of natural organization (or agents therein), authority (and agents of authority) typically do not serve necessary functions or purposes in reality. So for instance, let’s go back to alpha line scenario… Let’s do alpha line of wolves…

Every single role of the aforementioned alpha line serves a purpose. Unlike human authority, which is not allowed to be challenged, and basically sums to ordering people around, as opposed to actively participating in work related to solving problems, every single member of a wolf tribe is expected to carry their weight to some degree.

The are no wolves who are governors, kings or religious leaders. There are no wolves that can give orders, and to weaponize other wolves against targets or rivals in their stead.

Authority is basically “the power to will others about”. Natural organisms do not will others about. Only parasites do…