Exam 21: Behavior and the Environment

Correct Answer:

Verified

imprinting

Correct Answer:

Answered by Examlex AI Copilot

Alarm Calls:
Alarm calls are vocal signals used by many social animals to alert members of their group to potential danger. An example of this can be found in meerkats (Suricata suricatta). When a meerkat on sentry duty spots a predator, such as a hawk, it emits a specific type of call that signals the type of threat and prompts the group to take appropriate action, such as seeking cover. Different alarm calls may be used for different types of predators, and these calls can convey information about the urgency and type of threat.

Trail Pheromones:
Trail pheromones are chemical signals used by social insects to communicate the location of resources or the path to follow. A classic example is found in ants, such as the species Linepithema humile, commonly known as the Argentine ant. When a worker ant finds a food source, it lays down a trail of pheromones on its way back to the colony. Other ants detect this trail and follow it to the food source. As more ants travel back and forth, the concentration of the trail pheromone increases, reinforcing the path for others.

Dance Language:
Dance language is a sophisticated form of communication used by honeybees (Apis mellifera) to convey information about the location of food sources. When a forager bee discovers a rich source of nectar or pollen, it returns to the hive and performs a "waggle dance" on the honeycomb. The dance involves a series of movements, including a figure-eight pattern, with the angle and duration of the waggle phase indicating the direction and distance to the food source relative to the sun's position. Other bees observe the dance and then fly out to collect the food, using the information encoded in the dance to find the exact location.