Pheromone

Pheromones are chemical substances produced and released into the environment by an animal, especially a mammal or an insect, affecting the behavior or physiology of others of its species. Pheromones are a type of ectohormone, which are hormones released outside of the body. They are different from hormones, which affect the individual that is secreting them.

Types of Pheromones

Pheromones can be categorized into several types:

• Aggregation pheromones: These are produced by both males and females and result in a behavior change in individuals of the same species. They can cause an increase in the number of individuals in a specific area.

• Alarm pheromones: These are released by an individual when it is threatened or injured. They can cause a flight or fight response in members of the same species.

• Epideictic pheromones: These are different from territory pheromones, which are used to mark an individual's territory.

• Releaser pheromones: These cause an immediate change in behavior of the recipient.

• Primer pheromones: These take longer to get a response and can affect the development or reproduction physiology, including menstrual cycles in females, puberty, and the success or failure of pregnancy.

• Signaler pheromones: These provide information. They may help the mother to recognize her newborn by scent. Fathers cannot usually do this.

• Modulator pheromones: These can either alter or synchronize bodily functions. They are usually found in sweat.

Uses of Pheromones

Pheromones are used in a variety of ways in different species. In insects, they are used for communication, to attract mates, and to mark territory. In mammals, they are used for similar purposes, and also to signal alarm and to establish dominance.

See Also

• Chemical ecology
• Ectohormone
• Semiochemical

Pheromone Resources
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