alarm pheromone
Quick Summary
An alarm pheromone is a type of pheromone, which is a chemical secreted by an organism to trigger a reaction in another organism of the same species. Alarm pheromones are known for their high volatility, allowing them to quickly warn others of danger and then rapidly dissipate from the environment. Unlike some other pheromones, they don't require high specificity, meaning other species can detect them without negative consequences. Small molecules, such as formic acid in ants, often serve as alarm pheromones. These chemicals are crucial for immediate danger signaling within a species.12
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