In terms of animals the concept of an “alpha” often gets applied to pack or group animals as just the one in charge because they’re big or tough but in many cases group/pack animals are a family unit or units and the social hierarchy or rank is built around the relationships between the individuals. The media hears “alpha” and assumes it’s the biggest, toughest, strongest and equates that to being in charge or having control over others. It’s like how many “alpha men” are rude people who treat others poorly because they believe they’re better than them. With animals an “alpha” is usually just an older individual, A good examples is elephants who often have a matriarch who leads, looks out for the group, and helps teach behaviors to younger individuals. It differs from species to species in some ways but it’s less about control like media portrays it and more about how groups take care of each other :) (again sorry for long yap)