not solely through violence. alpha chimps are often big, but not necessarily the biggest. best way I've heard it explained: the alpha chimp usually does the

not solely through violence. alpha chimps are often big, but not necessarily the biggest. best way I've heard it explained: the alpha chimp usually does the most grooming of other chimps of any of the males in the troop. they're out there making deals and building relationships. tough guys can try to overpower those so the top chimp also gotta be tough enough to stand up, but it's as much about relationships as it is about muscles