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1.3 identify data sources, gather and process information from secondary sources to identify the range of senses involved in communication

identify data sources, gather and process information from secondary sources to identify the range of senses involved in communication

Senses Human examples Other animal examples

sight (visual)

facial expression signal emotions including aggression

bioluminescence in fireflies to attract mates, female chimpanzees have a coloured rump to show when they are ready for mating, Blue-ringed octopus signal an intention to attack by glowing blue rings on their bodies.

smell (olfactory)

not so important in humans, human females may change their menstrual cycle because of olfactory information

animals release pheromones to make their presence known; male mice will mate immediately they smell a receptive female.

hearing (auditory)

language used extensively to convey information, used as a warning signal.

crickets use sound as a warning and to attract mates, some moths can hear the ultrasonic calls of bats and can avoid being eaten, frogs use sound for mating calls, dolphins use echolocation.

touch (tactile)

used in group bonding and in mating. Also used aggressively

seagull chicks get their mothers to release food by pecking on their beaks. Bees dance to communicate the location of food.

taste

some butterflies such as the Monarch butterfly have a bitter taste to communicate that they are poisonous

Here are some Internet sites to get you started.
Human senses, (external website) Howard Hughes Medical Institute, USA.
Bird communication (external website), Greg Ritchison, Eastern Kentucky University.