What does Buck learn about the hierarchy of the dog sled team?

In "The Call of the Wild," Buck learns that strength and dominance are key factors that determine rank within the dog sled team. As he adapts to the harsh realities of life in the wild, he realizes that the most powerful dogs establish their authority through displays of physical prowess and forceful behavior. This understanding is crucial for Buck’s survival, as it shapes his interactions with other dogs, particularly as he navigates his position within the pack and faces challenges from stronger rivals.

The concept of dominance not only affects physical confrontations but also influences the established pecking order in the team, leading Buck to recognize that to rise in rank, he must become both strong and assertive. This lesson culminates when he eventually challenges the lead dog, Spitz, highlighting the shift toward his own dominance and leadership. Understanding this dynamic of strength and dominance in the social structure of the sled team is foundational for Buck’s transformation throughout the narrative, reflecting the raw, primal instincts that come to define him.