Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Agribusiness Practice Test

What is a pheromone?

1. A hormone produced in the brain

2. A chemical that repels insects

3. A chemical used to attract mates

4. A type of plant nutrient

The correct answer is: A chemical used to attract mates

A pheromone is a chemical substance produced and released into the environment by an animal, particularly insects, which affects the behavior or physiology of others of the same species. The function of pheromones often involves attracting mates, as many species use these chemicals to signal reproductive availability or to communicate their readiness to mate. This choice highlights the role of pheromones in signaling between individuals, which is crucial for reproduction and continuation of species. In the context of the other options, while hormones produced in the brain are important for various bodily functions and behavioral responses, they do not specifically relate to the external communication between individuals of a species as pheromones do. Similarly, while there are chemicals that repel insects, these substances function differently from pheromones, as they don’t typically involve communication between members of the same species. Lastly, plant nutrients are essential for plant growth and development but do not pertain to animal behavior or communication, setting them apart from the concept of pheromones altogether.