Which statement is true about pheromones in rodents?

Which statement is true about pheromones in rodents?

• A. They attract the opposite sex
• B. They play a role in mating behavior
• C. Pheromones from an unfamiliar male may block pregnancy in a newly mated female
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Pheromones in rodents act as chemical signals that regulate reproductive and social behaviors. They can serve as attractants, drawing the opposite sex toward a potential mate and initiating mating behavior. They also influence mating timing and receptivity through neural pathways that detect pheromones, coordinating when mating occurs. A familiar example is the Bruce effect, where pheromones from an unfamiliar male can block or delay pregnancy in a female that has recently mated, helping ensure offspring are sired by a suitable male. Because all of these effects can occur, the best answer is that all of the statements are true.

Pheromones in rodents act as chemical signals that regulate reproductive and social behaviors. They can serve as attractants, drawing the opposite sex toward a potential mate and initiating mating behavior. They also influence mating timing and receptivity through neural pathways that detect pheromones, coordinating when mating occurs. A familiar example is the Bruce effect, where pheromones from an unfamiliar male can block or delay pregnancy in a female that has recently mated, helping ensure offspring are sired by a suitable male. Because all of these effects can occur, the best answer is that all of the statements are true.