What is pheromone like！

 Pheromones are fascinating chemical "messages" sent between members of the same species.¹ While we often think of them as "scents," they function more like a silent, invisible language that triggers specific behaviors or physiological changes.²

Here is a breakdown of what pheromones are like and how they work.

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1. What exactly are they?

Pheromones are ectohormones—hormones that act outside the body.³ Unlike regular hormones (like insulin or adrenaline) that signal between organs inside your own body, pheromones signal between different individuals.

• Invisible: They are usually colorless and odorless to other species, but highly "visible" to the nervous system of the intended recipient.

• Potent: Even a microscopic amount can trigger a massive response. For example, a single female silk moth can attract thousands of males from miles away with just a trace of pheromones.

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2. How are they "Sensed"?

Most animals don't "smell" pheromones with their regular nose in the way we smell coffee. Instead, they use a specialized organ.

• Vomeronasal Organ (VNO): Also known as Jacobson's organ, this is a specialized set of sensory cells (usually located in the nasal cavity or roof of the mouth) that detects pheromones and sends signals directly to the amygdala and hypothalamus—the parts of the brain that control emotions and basic instincts.

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3. The Different "Messages" (Types)

Pheromones aren't just about attraction; they serve many survival purposes:

Type	Purpose	Example
Alarm	Signal danger	Bees release a "banana-like" scent when they sting to tell others to attack.
Trail	Navigation	Ants leave a chemical trail so others can find food.
Territorial	Marking space	Cats rub their cheeks on furniture (or dogs urinate) to mark "home."
Primer	Body changes	In some animals, pheromones can trigger the start of puberty or a reproductive cycle.
Releaser	Instant behavior	Specifically used to attract a mate or trigger an immediate sexual response.

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4. What about Humans?

This is where it gets controversial. While pheromones are vital for insects and mammals, the evidence for human pheromones is still debated by scientists.⁴

• The VNO Issue: Humans have a VNO during fetal development, but it usually becomes non-functional or disappears after birth.⁵

• Subtle Cues: We definitely respond to body odors (like a mother recognizing her baby’s scent), but whether these are "true" pheromones that force a specific behavior is not yet proven.

• Marketing vs. Science: "Pheromone perfumes" sold online are largely considered marketing hype rather than scientifically backed "love potions."⁶

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Summary

Pheromones are like biological software code transmitted through the air or water. They allow animals to communicate complex instructions—"Follow me," "Stay away," "I'm a mate"—without ever making a sound.⁷

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Would you like me to explain the chemistry of a specific pheromone (like the ones ants use), or perhaps translate this into Japanese for you?