Alarm Chemosignals in a Meriones Unguiculatus: Prey-Predator Interactions

Abstract

A number of chemical exudates originating from invertebrates and vertebrates are released under stressful environmental conditions. They are variously defined, but are known generically as “alarm signals,” chemosignals released by one or more individuals to affect the behavior and physiology of conspecifics (von Frisch, 1938; Muller-Schwarze et al., 1984; Pfeiffer, 1963). These chemicals can cause exploration and investigation (Jaffe and Puche, 1984; Sonenshine, 1985), hesitation and physiological signs of frustration (Courtney et al., 1968; Herreid and Mooney, 1984), immobilization and hiding (Rottman and Snowdon, 1972; Carr et al., 1970), flight and dispersion (Stevens and Gerzog-Thomas, 1977; Hornbuckle and Beall, 1974; Ressler et al., 1968), and social mobilization and attack (Cherix, 1983). The environmental features which provoke the release of such chemicals are diverse, but usually involve stimuli of potential danger, such as novelty, social intrusion or physical insult. Generally, among higher vertebrates the body source of these chemicals is unknown and no compounds have been isolated and identified.