« Previous AbstractChemical communication in the dacetine antDaceton armigerum (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)    Next AbstractEvidence for a two-component external marking pheromone system in an aphid hyperparasitoid »

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

Title:		The chemistry of social regulation: multicomponent signals in ant societies
Author(s):		Holldobler B;
Address:		"Theodor-Boveri-Institut, Lehrstuhl fur Verhaltensphysiologie und Soziobiologie, Wurzburg, Federal Republic of Germany"
Journal Title:		Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
Year:		1995
Volume:		92
Issue:		1
Page Number:		19 - 22
DOI:		10.1073/pnas.92.1.19
ISSN/ISBN:		0027-8424 (Print) 1091-6490 (Electronic) 0027-8424 (Linking)
Abstract:		"Chemical signals mediating communication in ant societies are usually complex mixtures of substances with considerable variation in molecular composition and in relative proportions of components. Such multicomponent signals can be produced in single exocrine glands, but they can also be composed with secretions from several glands. This variation is often functional, identifying groups or specific actions on a variety of organizational levels. Chemical signals can be further combined with cues from other sensory modalities, such as vibrational or tactile stimuli. These kinds of accessory signals usually serve in modulatory communication, lowering the response threshold in the recipient for the actual releasing stimulus. Comparative studies suggest that modulatory signals evolved through ritualization from actions originally not related to the same behavioral context, and modulatory signals may further evolve to become independent releasing signals"
Keywords:		Animal Communication Animals Ants/*physiology Biological Evolution Exocrine Glands/physiology Pheromones/*physiology Signal Transduction *Social Behavior;
Notes:		"MedlineHolldobler, B eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S. Review 1995/01/03 Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1995 Jan 3; 92(1):19-22. doi: 10.1073/pnas.92.1.19"