Cambridge Encyclopedia » Cambridge Encyclopedia Vol. 58

pheromone - Origin of the term, Types of pheromones, Human pheromones

effect mating insects

A chemical substance secreted to the outside by an animal, which has a specific effect on another member of the same species. Releasing pheromones elicit a particular behavioural response, such as mating or aggression. Priming pheromones cause a change in the physiology of the recipient, such as an effect on reproductive hormones. Pheromones are common in insects; they are also found in rodents and monkeys, and more may be discovered. They are exploited in agriculture to control the time and frequency of mating in farm animals, and the movement of insects.

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