How do sharks and whales use chemical communication?

Sharks and whales use chemical communication primarily through the release of pheromones. Pheromones are chemical substances that are released into the water and can be detected by other individuals of the same species.

Sharks use pheromones to communicate with each other for various purposes, such as to attract mates, establish territories, and signal danger. For example, when a female shark is ready to mate, she releases pheromones into the water to attract male sharks. Male sharks can also release pheromones to establish dominance and mark their territory.

Whales also use pheromones for communication, particularly in mating and social interactions. Female whales release pheromones to signal their readiness to mate, attracting male whales to them. Whales can also use pheromones to communicate information about their health, stress levels, and reproductive status to other members of their pod.

Overall, chemical communication plays an important role in the social interactions and behaviors of sharks and whales, helping them to navigate their environments and communicate with each other effectively.