Chemical Signals in the Ecosystem

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Most chemical signals in nature are volatile, although there is increasing evidence that insects can respond to involatile plant chemicals. Volatile signals, when mixed with other chemicals, may become more active due to synergism and/or become more persistent. Volatile scents and odours are generally efficient, since only trace amounts are needed to produce an effect. They are often multifunctional: a defence odour may also mediate in interactions between competing herbivores. Chemical signals are most important in reinforcing species—species (e.g. Ophrys-Andrena) interactions, but there are many examples of ‘accidental’ responses to plant odours. Recent work on chemical signals will be reviewed, with respect to both beneficial and hostile plant-animal interactions.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: