There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
Well, roots of lions as species span up to couple of million years, and lion as we know today spans for couple of ten to couple of hundred thousands years, so its very unlikely they "learn" this behavior just recently in the past 50,100 or even 1000 years.
But, with emerging of humans as most dominant "animal" in the world, who gradually "took" their inhabitat, it might be that this "behavior" of "grouping" , is something recent, because lack of space.
But then, its also quite interesting why only lions showcase this behavior, and sometimes male cheetahs, but no other cats alive, so this might be "newer" chapter in their evolution, something which all cat species would eventually develop in the near or far future.