Question

What are pheromones? What are their functions in animals?

Answer 1

• Pheromones are chemicals capable of acting like hormones outside the body of the secreting individual, to impact the behaviour of the receiving individuals.
• Most of pheromones are detected by the sense of smell.
• By definition and according to evolutionary theory, pheromones work within a species.
• Pheromones assist in reproduction, feeding, social interactions and maternal-neonatal bonding in mammals.
• Examples of animal behaviour based on pheromones:

1. The identifying or smelling ability of dogs.
2. Searching and communicating nature of ants.