Chapter 31, Problem 19A

Summary Introduction

To write: The specific chemical spread through which animals communicate.

Introduction: Animals have various means of communication from one another. Some use signals, while some use chemicals. These means of communication help the animal to find mates, defend territory, care for their young ones and coordinate among the group.

Explanation of Solution

There are certain animals that communicate by dispersing specific chemicals known as pheromones.

Pheromones are specific to species and ensure that individuals within a population receive and translate necessary information.

One of the advantages of species-specific pheromones is that these are untraceable by the predator.

These are used to convey signals of alarm in response to a predator attack.

However, often species use pheromones to attract the other gender of its species in order to reproduce. Such as, female silk moths produce pheromones that attract male moths for mating.

Conclusion

The specific chemical spread by animals in order to communicate is Pheromones.