Definition

Noun: - Communication between animals (of the same species): The process by which animals of the same species convey information to one another using signals such as sounds, scents, visual displays, or tactile cues. This is a fundamental aspect of animal behavior, facilitating activities like mating, warning of danger, establishing territory, and coordinating group actions.

Usage

• The term "animal communication" is used as a singular mass noun when referring to the general phenomenon or field of study. It can also be used as a countable noun when discussing specific types or instances.
• It is a compound noun, but its meaning is specific and should be treated as a single conceptual unit in this context.

Examples

• General Phenomenon:
  • The study of animal communication reveals complex signaling systems.
  • Animal communication is not limited to vocal calls; it includes chemical and visual signals.
• Specific Instance/Type:
  • The bee's waggle dance is a fascinating form of animal communication.
  • Researchers documented a new animal communication used by the species during hunting.

Advanced Usage

• "Mechanisms of animal communication": Refers to the physical and biological processes (e.g., sound production, pheromone release) used to create signals.
  • The lecture covered the neural mechanisms underlying animal communication.
• "Evolution of animal communication": Discusses how communicative signals develop and change over generations through natural selection.
  • Her research focuses on the evolution of animal communication in primates.

Variants and Related Words

• Communicate (verb): For animals, to send or receive signals. (e.g., )
• Signal (noun): A specific gesture, sound, or chemical used to convey information. (e.g., )
• Bioacoustics (noun): The study of sound production and reception in animals, a sub-field related to one mode of animal communication.
• Pheromone (noun): A chemical substance released to trigger a social response in members of the same species, a key element in chemical animal communication.

Synonyms

• Animal signaling: Often used interchangeably, though "signaling" can emphasize the act of sending the signal.
• Interspecific communication: Communication between different species. (Note: This is a related but distinct concept from the core definition of within the same species.)

Related Phrases

• "Channel of communication": The medium through which a signal is sent (e.g., auditory, visual, olfactory).
  • For many mammals, scent marking is a primary channel of communication.
• "Communication network": Describes a system where multiple individuals send and receive signals within a group.
  • In a baboon troop, vocalizations create a complex communication network.

Related Idioms/Concepts

• "Talking the talk": While a human idiom, in ethology (the study of animal behavior), one might say an animal has "evolved an honest signal", meaning its communication is reliably linked to its condition or intent, preventing deception.
  • The bright plumage of the peacock is an honest signal of its health to potential mates.

Noun

1. communication between animals (of the same species)