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.
