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

November 28th 2024

electrode

n. an instrument with a positive-pole cathode and a negative-pole anode used to stimulate biological tissues electrically or record electrical activity in these tissues. Also called bipolar electrode. See also microelectrode.