Functions of Animal Communication

Animals use siganls and sounds to communicate a warning of danger, for protection and for defence.

For example:

• Meercats all work together and make noise to fight/scare off a predator
• Magpies use distinctive chattering to warm other magpies against predators
• Rabbits thump their paws to warn of other predators 

Animals use communication to attract the attention or a future mate or to solidify pair-bonds.

For example:

• A peacock will spread its feathers to attract a mate
• Some male birds of paradise engage in a complex dance in order to attract a female

Animals use signals to defend or claim territory.

For example:

• A dog urinates to mark its territory
• Wild boars leave marks on trees 
• Birds sing songs

Animals use food calls to inform other animals that food has been found.

For example:

• The waggle dance of the honeybee
• Ants rubbing chemicals on each other to let them know where food is