Pheromones + Aggression

Question 1

Define pheromones

Answer 1

Chemical cues released after secreted from glands or urine

Question 2

Define bioassay

Answer 2

Method to measure conc. Or potency of substance through observation + quantifying effect on organism

Question 3

Define odorant

Answer 3

Smell molecule

Question 4

Chamero et al 2007

Answer 4

Isolate molecules found in mouse urine to test aggression

Question 5

How are pheromones detected?

Answer 5

Vomeronasal organ (behind nasal cavity)

Question 6

Define putative pheromone

Answer 6

Potential pheromone

Question 7

What is hexadecanal?

Answer 7

Potential hormone linked to human aggression

Question 8

Mishor et al 2021

Answer 8

2 experiments to test effect of hexadecanal on male and female behaviour

Question 9

Limits of human pheromones argument

Answer 9

1. Generalization from animal research not valid
2. Reductionist
3. Lack ecological validity
4. Can’t eliminate confounding variable (ex. Bacteria)
5. Human smell detection = complex