Olive Baboon

Robert Sapolsky's 30-year study of olive baboon troops in Kenya documented how leadership style creates distinct physiological signatures. Despotic alpha males spend 30% of their time in aggressive displays, show cortisol paradoxically higher than subordinates, and average only 2.5 years tenure before overthrow.

When the most aggressive males died from tuberculosis (contracted from infected meat they monopolized), the troop's culture shifted. Less aggressive males assumed leadership, creating a 'pacific culture' with 50% lower group cortisol, improved immune function, 40% higher infant survival. Critically, this cultural shift persisted for 20+ years and transmitted to new generations. When despotic alphas fall, subordinates join the attack rather than defend - exactly like Enron executives testifying against Skilling.