Animal Behavior: Signaling and Communication

Study Guide

Terms

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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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