Alarm call

An alarm call is a vocal signal that warns other members of a species about a threat, such as a predator. Its acoustic form can convey information about the danger and prompt defensive behavior.

Predator-specific alarm call: An alarm call whose form differs according to the type of predator detected. Some species encode whether a threat comes from above, below, or nearby.
Vervet monkey: An African Old World monkey known for distinct alarm calls associated with different predator classes. Its calls for eagles, leopards, and snakes are a classic case of differentiated warnings.
Animal communication: The transmission of information between animals through signals and cues. Alarm calls are vocal signals within the broader study of animal communication.
Group vigilance: Collective monitoring of surroundings by members of a social group. Warnings can shift attention and reduce the time each individual must spend scanning.
Mobbing (animal behavior): The collective harassment of a predator by prey animals. Mobbing confronts or distracts a threat, whereas an alarm call can warn without approaching it.
Referential communication: Communication in which signals are associated with particular objects, events, or categories. Some alarm calls appear to identify predator categories rather than merely signal arousal.
Black-fronted titi monkey: A South American primate that gives alarm calls in response to aerial predators. Its calls have been studied for how they convey information about a threat’s urgency.
Signal detection theory: A framework for decisions under uncertainty that weighs detection accuracy against error costs. Callers and listeners face different costs when threats are missed or falsely detected.
Dilution effect: A reduction in an individual’s chance of being captured as group size increases. Alarm responses often send animals into groups, where risk may be shared.
Contact call: A vocal signal that helps animals maintain contact or coordinate with group members. Contact calls maintain affiliation; alarm calls primarily signal danger.

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