referential signal

a communication signal given by a nonhuman animal that appears to provide information about specific objects or events in the environment. Vervet monkeys have different types of calls specific to eagles, leopards, and snakes, three major predators. Many species of birds and monkeys have calls that are specific to the presence of food. Some researchers argue that referential signals are a form of symbolic communication and might be the primitive basis of words in language.

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Psychology term of the day

January 15th 2025

morphophilia

n. interest in sexual partners whose body characteristics (e.g., height, weight, skin and hair color) are different from one’s own.