scent mark
Animals use 'scent marks' to communicate through odors, marking territories and conveying information about identity and reproductive status.
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Definition
C1Animal Behavior
(technical)The act of leaving a distinctive smell in an area by an animal to convey messages to others.
Example
- A cat may scent mark furniture to feel secure and communicate with other cats.
B2Animal Communication
(technical, behavioral)A deposit of odor from glands, urine, or feces by animals to signal territory, identity, or mating status.
Example
- Wolves use scent marks to establish the boundaries of their territory.
- Many animals rely on scent marks to communicate with others in their environment.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "scent mark":
mating markfalse scentmark timemark outmark downmark offskid mark