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scent marking

the act by a nonhuman animal of depositing odorants on a substrate, often from specialized scent glands that produce them. Scent glands are commonly found in the anogenital region, in the axilla, in the suprapubic region, and around the mouth. Scent marking provides cues about species, sex, reproductive status, and dominance status that can remain on or diffuse slowly from a substrate after the marking individual has left.

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Psychology term of the day

January 21st 2025

vivisection

vivisection

n. dissection performed on a living animal for research or experimental purposes. Many scientists and researchers oppose the practice, questioning its scientific validity and necessity, and numerous others criticize it as inhumane and unethical. See also animal care and use; animal rights.