Pheromone (Gr. Forein - Carry)

A pheromone is a substance released by an organism into the external environment and influencing the development or behavior of other individuals of the same species.

Pheromones are used by many species of animals and insects to transmit information between individuals of the same species. They can perform various functions - attract individuals of the opposite sex, notify about breeding time, mark territory, etc.

In ants, for example, a pheromone trail allows them to find their way to a food source. Female butterflies secrete pheromones to attract males. Alarm pheromones in bees and ants cause an aggressive defensive reaction in the colony.

Thus, pheromones play an important role in intraspecific communication in animals. Their study helps to better understand the behavior and interaction of individuals in populations.