Pheromone parsimony

Pronunciation
/FER-oh-mohn par-SIM-oh-nee/
Category
Behavior
Plural
Pheromone parsimonies

Definition

The phenomenon where a single pheromone or group of pheromones serves multiple functions in insect communication.

Etymology

From the Latin word 'parsimonia,' meaning 'simplicity' or 'economy', combined with 'pheromone'.

Example

In honey bees, queen substance (9-ODA) acts as both a releaser and primer pheromone, demonstrating pheromone parsimony.

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