The biological roles of pyrazines: evidence for a warning odour function |
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Authors: | TIM GUILFORD CHRISTINE NICOL MIRIAM ROTHSCHILD BARRY P MOORE |
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Institution: | Animal Behaviour Research Group, Department of Zoology, South Parks Road, Oxford 0X1 3PS;Department of Animal Husbandry, Longford House, Langford, Bristol BS18 7DU;Ashton Wold, Peterborough PE8 5LZ;C.S.I.R.O., Division of Entomology, GPO Box 1700, Canberra, Australia |
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Abstract: | Recently it has been shown that pyrazines are associated with many aposematic, chemically defended insects. We have demonstrated that naive hatchling chicks, when offered drinking water to which 2-methoxy-3-isobutylpyrazine is added, develop a neophobic 'alerting' reaction. The birds are not only capable of forming a conditioned aversion to the pyrazine when it is paired with quinine sulphate but they can also detect it from a distance probably by olfaction. This suggests that birds, a major group of insect predators, can interpret pyrazines as alerting or warning signals. The relationship of pyrazines with other alerting signals, and their evocative qualities are discussed. |
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Keywords: | Pyrazines odour function avian warning signals |
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