Olfaction among

Martof, B. S. (1962). Some observations on the role of olfaction among salient amphibia. Physiological Zoology 35,270. 

Pheromones are powerful modulators of insect behavior. Since the isolation and identification of the first pheromone, (10E, 12Z)-hexadec-10,12-dien-l-ol, the sex attractant of the silk moth Bombyx mori, thousands of other insect pheromones have been identified. Our understanding of the sensory apparatus required for pheromone detection has also increased significantly. Coincidentally, B. mori was instrumental in many of these advances (see below). Volatile pheromones are detected by a specialized olfactory system localized on the antennae. The precise recognition of species-specific nuances in the structure and composition of pheromone components is essential for effective pheromone-based communication. The pheromone olfactory system of species studied so far exhibits remarkable selectivity towards the species-specific pheromone blend. Pheromones are emitted in low (fg-pg) quantities and are dispersed and greatly diluted in air plumes. Thus, pheromone olfaction systems are among the most sensitive chemosensory systems known. (Schneider et al., 1968). This chapter summarizes efforts (particularly over the past 10 years) to understand the molecular basis for the remarkable selectivity and sensitivity of the pheromone olfactory system in insects. The chapter will also outline efforts to design compounds that interfere with one or more of the early events in olfaction. 

In the context of evolution of pheromone olfaction and general chemosensation, we can speculate that general chemosensory proteins may be more highly conserved than olfactory PBPs when compared across species. Indeed, little sequence diversification would be expected to occur among genes encoding chemosensory proteins tuned to bind chemicals of common importance to all species. 

Kats LB (1988) The detection of certain predators via olfaction by small-mouthed salamander larvae, Ambystoma texanum. Behav Neural Biol 50 126-131 Petranka JW, Kats LB, Sih A(1987) Predator-prey interactions among fish and larval amphibians use of chemical cues to detect predatory fish. Anim Behav 35 420-425... 

Odours seem to have played a major role in the cultural development of human pheromones. There are also enduring cross-cultural truths regarding reciprocity among odours, olfaction, and behaviour [240],... 

Olfaction represents a subset of the sense of smell, which this chapter seeks to circumscribe by means of four propositions put forth as guidelines. Of these guidelines, the first is chemical, and the second is behavioral. The third guideline addresses the relationship between anatomy and behavior. Applying it requires that the organism possess a well developed eentral nervous system (CNS). The CNS of terrestrial vertebrates includes a spinal cord and a brain, from which emanates a set of cranial nerves. The first cranial nerve is often called the olfactory bulb. If the connections between the nose and the olfactory bulb are completely severed, the ability to sense and to discriminate among volatile stimuli do not necessarily vanish utterly. Those capabilities that are completely lost, however, include olfaction. 

Smell and taste (olfaction and gustation) are among living organisms two most vital... 

Many similarities exist between the lifestyles and behaviors of Loxodonta africana and Elephas maximus, two of the three extant species of elephants (Sukumar, 2003 Poole, 1987, 1989a,b Rasmussen and Krishnamurthy, 2000 Rasmussen and Schulte, 1998). While the roles of olfaction and the chemical senses in Asian elephant society have been extensively investigated (Rasmussen and Greenwood, 2003 Rasmussen et al, 1997, 2002), similar investigations in the African species are limited to recent studies of chemical signals among males (Rasmussen and Wittemyer, 2002). 

The advances in the studies of the effect of primer pheromones on oestrous cycles, cycles among women living in close proximity to one another, others, F. H. Bronson and W. K. Whitten, also inspired interest in olfaction in humans. The works of J. G. Vandenbergh and L. C. Drickamer added considerably to this. 

In this category of subjects, we consider professionals who use their senses on a daily basis in their work in order to create, develop or optimize products. Among such experts, flavourists, perfumers and oenologists immediately come to mind because of their remarkable skills in olfaction. However, other talented professionals, such as chefs and bakers, also rely on their senses to create and control the course of their production. They have probably developed a more multisensory expertise. Acute sensory expertise can also be found in non-food sectors. For instance, aestheticians and hairdressers are certainly sensory experts the same goes for professional car drivers. 

An odor is detected by the olfactory organs when the molecules of volatile substances reach the olfactory cells and stimulate them. The sensitivity of olfaction varies widely among individuals, and is also affected by environmental conditions. Whereas color intensity can be quantified, it is difficult to assign numerical values to odors. 

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