Communal behavior
- Pronunciation
- /kuh-MYOO-nul bih-HAY-vyer/
- Category
- Behavior
- Plural
- Communal behaviors
Definition
A behavioral pattern where individuals of a species aggregate together in close proximity, often sharing resources and potentially exhibiting social interactions.
Etymology
From Latin 'communis', meaning 'common'.
Example
Communal behavior is observed in many insect species, such as bees nesting together in a hive.
Related Terms
- Sociality
- Aggregation
- Nest
Usage Notes
Communal behavior can range from loosely associated groups to highly structured social structures.