Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

allomone

noun

/ˌæl.əˈmoʊn/

Definition

A chemical substance produced by one species that influences the behavior of another species, usually for the benefit of the producer.

Examples

Some plants release allomones to deter herbivores from eating them.
The allomones emitted by certain insects can attract predators of their natural enemies.
Predators may utilize allomones released by their prey to locate food sources.

Meaning

Allomones are a type of semiochemical that help an organism to communicate with or affect another organism of a different species, often serving ecological functions like defense or attraction.