Pheromones
Pheromones
Pheromones (/ˈfɛrəmoʊnz/) are a type of chemical substance 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.
Etymology
The term "pheromone" was introduced by Peter Karlson and Martin Lüscher in 1959, based on the Greek words pherein (to transfer) and hormon (to excite).
Types of Pheromones
Pheromones can be categorized into several types:
- Alarm pheromones: These are often discharged by social insects as a form of protection.
- Trail pheromones: These are common in social insects for the purpose of leading others to food sources.
- Sex pheromones: These are released to attract potential mates.
- Aggregation pheromones: These are used to attract individuals to a common area.
Function
Pheromones are used for communication in the animal kingdom. They can signal a variety of messages, from marking territory to attracting mates. The specific effects of pheromones can vary widely depending on the species and the type of pheromone.
In Humans
The existence of human pheromones and their role in human behavior is a topic of ongoing scientific study. Some researchers believe that humans do produce and respond to pheromones, while others remain skeptical.
Related Terms
- Chemical communication: The process by which animals communicate using chemical signals.
- Vomeronasal organ: An auxiliary olfactory sense organ that is found in many animals and is presumed to detect pheromones.
- Olfaction: The sense of smell, which is crucial for the detection of pheromones.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pheromones
- Wikipedia's article - Pheromones
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