A Lion's Mane Signals Its Condition
A mane is the long hair on an animal's neck. On a lion it carries information other lions read.
A mane is the long hair growing along the neck of a horse, lion or similar animal. On lions it functions as a signal: field research in the Serengeti found that darker manes indicate higher testosterone and better condition, that rival males approach dark-maned lions more cautiously, and that females prefer them. A mane is a readable advertisement rather than protection. *Mane* is Old English and related to German *Mähne* and to Sanskrit *manya*, the nape of the neck.
- Neck hair. *A horse's mane.*
- A lion's mane. *A dark mane.*
- Thick hair. *A mane of hair.*
- Mane and tail. *Mane and tail.*
- Old English — *manu*. *The source.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | mane | A mane. |
| Plural | manes | Manes. |
| Adjective | maned | Maned. |
| German | Mähne | A mane. |
| Old English | manu | A mane. |
- She brushed the horse's mane.Grooming.
- The lion had a dark mane.Signal.
- Manu is the Old English form.Etymology.
What a lion's mane communicates
- Darker manes correlate with higher testosterone
- They also indicate better nutrition and health
- Rival males approach dark-maned lions more warily
- Females show a preference for them
- Manes are thinner in hot regions, where the cost is higher
Old English *manu*, of Germanic origin, related to German *Mähne*.
What does a lion's mane do?
It signals condition. Darker manes indicate higher testosterone and better health, and both rivals and females respond to that.
Do all lions have full manes?
No. In hotter regions manes are thinner or absent, because the heat cost of carrying one is higher.