pedal gland

zoology

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July 19, 2026

Quick Summary

In zoology, a pedal gland is a gland found in the foot of many rotifers. These glands are either unicellular or syncytial and secrete an adhesive substance.1

While the term "pedal gland" specifically refers to these glands in rotifers, the term "pedal" can also relate to feet in other animals. For instance, some artiodactyls, like certain deer and pigs, have foot or pedal glands that may be used for territorial marking or as a danger signal. In gastropods, the foot is a muscular organ used for locomotion, and in some species, it can secrete mucus for gliding.23

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chemoreception
Territorial behavior
…adding the secretion of the pedal glands to the dung. Similar to the preorbital gland secretions, the pedal gland secretions are very complex, and bontebok contain over 80 compounds of different classes. Territorial males habitually defecate at the same sites, and they do so frequently. Male oribi may defecate up…
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…adding the secretion of the pedal glands to the dung. Similar to the preorbital gland secretions, the pedal gland secretions are very complex, and bontebok contain over 80 compounds of different classes. Territorial males habitually defecate at the same sites, and they do so frequently. Male oribi may defecate up…
Read More