sparknotes

Animal Behavior: Signaling and Communication

Terms

Allomones - Chemicals used for signaling between different species. Compare pheromones

Batesian mimicry - In this type of mimicry a harmless signaler imitates a dangerous one. Compare with Mullerian mimicry.

Contact reception - Reception that requires the receiver to be in contact with the signal chemical. Compare with olfactory reception.

Exocrine - Exocrine glands have ducts to release substances outside of the body rather than internally.

Hormones - Chemicals produced by endocrine glands for release into the body which function in feedback and control of behavior.

Intention movements - Incomplete behavior patterns that provide information about the activity a particular animal is about to perform and act as a signal to others.

Mullerian mimicry - In this type of mimicry two dangerous species evolve the same signaling trait to the mutual benefit of both. Compare with Batesian mimicry.

Olfactory reception - Reception of odors (smell). Waterborne or airborne chemicals can be detected at a distance from the source by olfactory reception. Compare with Contact reception.

Pheromones - Chemicals used for signaling between members of the same species. Compare allomones.

Plastic song - An intermediate stage of birdsong in which there are components of adult song patterns but the overall song is still highly variable.

Representational information - Information about the environment external to the signaler.

Ritualized - A behavior that once served its own purpose but has come to act as a signal about that purpose is said to have become ritualized.

Sterotypy - Frequent repetition of a signal behavior.

Subsong - An early stage of birdsong in which the song has little or no structure.

Zahavi's handicap principle - This principle states that in order to be honest, a signal must be costly to the signaler.

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Signaling