Benefits of Being Beta

In a study conducted comparing alpha baboons versus beta baboons in Kenya, researchers found extremely high levels of stress in the alpha baboons. This high stress is most likely due to the demands of obtaining and guarding female baboons.  This, in turn, results in a higher chance of disease.  So although the beta baboons are not getting as many females, they are at lower levels of stress, therefore lower chances of disease.  On top of this, it's not like they aren't getting any females....just not as many....