Analysis of chemical communication in mammals: Zoological and ecological aspects

Abstract

Chemical communication is one of the most important branches of zoology and chemical ecology. In the review, we analyze the main directions of chemical communication in mammals, mainly as based on the works of Russian researchers belonging to the school of the late Academician V.E. Sokolov, some approaches to solving specific zoological and ecological problems, and future prospects of the development of research. The following areas of research are discussed: the role of chemical signals as reproductive isolating mechanisms, sex pheromones, the recognition of individual odor, a seasonal hormonal response to olfactory signals, and the chemistry of natural substances.