From Wikipedia,
the free encyclopedia.
Chemical ecology is the
study of the
chemicals involved in the
interactions of living
organisms. It focuses on the
production of and response to
signaling molecules, toxins, and
other
organic compounds. Chemical
ecology is of particular
importance among ants and other
social insects--including bees,
wasps, and termites--as a means of
communication essential to social
organization. In addition, this
area of ecology deals with studies
involving defensive chemicals
which are utilized to deter
potential predators, which may
attack a wide variety of species.
This may include a wide variety of
terrestrial species and marine
animals.
