mating signal
Reproductive readiness display
A mating signal is any behavior, sound, visual display, or chemical emission that animals use to attract potential mates or indicate reproductive readiness.
Fireflies flash, peacocks display tail feathers, frogs call, and moths release pheromones—all mating signals.
The term extends humorously to human flirtation: Was that a mating signal or is he just being friendly?
- courtshipSeeking another's romantic favor
- courtship danceRitual movements seeking partners
- pheromoneBehavior-altering bodily secretion
- displayPresentation for viewing
- callContact by phone
love song · plumage · tail feathers · bird of paradise · attraction · ritual · sexual selection · birdsong · dawn chorus · dance · feathers · scent · flash · strut · bioluminescence · chirp · musk · flutter
mating signalwarning signal
Notice of impending hazard
alarm call · distress call · danger signal · startle display
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