What is pheromones? Pheromones are a type of chemical excreted from the body, mostly by animals and insects, which then triggers a social response in members of the same species. According to many researchers, pheromones work outside the body which mostly affects the behavior of the receiving body. However, though pheromones in animals and insects are well documented, a number of researchers have also documented the use of human pheromones.
Pheromones in animals
Animals and insects are known for their heavily use of pheromones. Though animals and insects communicate through body language and noise, most of these animals, particularly with insects, communicate through smell, which is through the use of pheromones.
Pheromones in animals and insects are very useful. According to many researchers, pheromones can be used in different types of social communications. Some of the most recognized forms of pheromones used by animals include:
· Territorial pheromones - These types of pheromones are secreted by animals and insects as a way to mark the boundaries of an organism's territory. Popular examples are the urine of dogs and cats.
· Trail pheromones - Popularity known in the insect world, this is used mostly as a way for other insects to have a path to follow. This is perfectly demonstrated among ants.
· Sex pheromones - These are mostly used by both animals and insects to signal an animal or an insect of the same species the availability of the female for breeding.
Pheromones in humans
Though not as widely documented as the pheromones in animals and insects, a few well-controlled scientific studies have ever been published suggesting the possibility of human pheromones. According to their studies, pheromones in humans are mostly known for its use in attraction. There have been a number of studies regarding the sweat of humans.
Studies demonstrated that male sweat are known for its content of pheromones which could be used to attract the opposite sex, which is the female. There have also been a number of pheromones used in the market in the form of a perfume which is also used as a way to attract the opposite sex.
However, other than attraction, human pheromones are also known to trigger a special behavior to other humans. One example is the McClintock effect in which a whiff of perspiration from other women is said to cause menstrual cycles to speed up or slow down depending on the time in the month the sweat was collected.
