100 Nature
FIND OUT MORE. Senses 99 • Sound 176–177
Communication
Animals communicate with their own kind or other
species to coordinate the search for food, attract mates,
bring up young, or escape from danger. Various species
send signals using sight, sounds, body language, touch,
scent, complex chemicals, or a combination of all of these.
WHEN DO ANIMALS USE VISUAL SIGNALS?
Close-range visual signals are used to send a variety of
messages, such as “Food is near” or “Keep away!” Birds
from peacocks to robins attract mates using bright
colours. Fireflies do the same with light. The white flash
of a fleeing rabbit’s tail warns others of danger.WHY DO ANIMALS USE PHEROMONES?
Animals use scent signals called pheromones to affect
the behaviour of others. These complex chemicals,
which include hormones, are most often transferred
by air. Female moths release pheromones to attract
males. In ant, bee, and termite colonies, the queen
releases pheromones to convey all sorts of messages
to the rest of the colony.DO ANIMALS ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH?
When animals communicate with their enemies, their
messages are not always truthful. Dogs, cats, and
other animals raise their hackles, arch their backs, or
puff themselves up to look bigger. Opossums play
dead to fool their enemies. Some animals mimic
(copy) the appearance of dangerous creatures.WHY DO ANIMALS COMMUNICATE WITH SOUND?
Sound signals carry over considerable distances and
give information immediately. Songbirds and howler
monkeys call to establish territories. Whales, frogs, and
crickets sing to attract a mate. Vervet monkeys warn
others of different enemies by using different sounds.4 COMPLEX COMMUNICATION
Intelligent mammals such as
chimpanzees communicate with
others using sounds, scent, touch,
body language, and facial
expressions. Chimps can even be
taught to communicate with
humans using sign language.1 CHEMICAL CONTROL
Pheromones released by a queen
bee prevent other fertile females
from developing. If the queen
goes missing and the pheromones
are no longer released, new
queens are reared. One of these
will eventually take over the hive.1 SNAKE MIMIC
Visual signals can be used for defence. This
hawkmoth caterpillar has evolved a tail that looks
like a snake’s head. Predators are scared off by the
disguise, even though the caterpillar is harmless.1 BODY LANGUAGE
A wolf can give over 20 different
messages by raising or flattening
its ears, back, tail, and neck hairs,
or by baring or hiding its teeth.ee communication