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Chemical Signals pp 275–301Cite as

Behavioral and Stimulus Correlates of Vomeronasal Functioning in Reptiles: Feeding, Grouping, Sex, and Tongue Use

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Abstract

Whatever the reason for the general neglect, until recently, of the vomeronasal organ (VNO), its associated structures, and the behavioral significance of the system, we are now beginning to understand its widespread function in reptiles. Studies of the system are hindered, however, by a lack of anatomical, neurological, and neurophysiological information. But a start has been made and the primary purpose of this paper will be to review recent advances in our knowledge of the function of the reptilian vomeronasal system and to present some new data and speculation. Rather complete reviews are available (Burghardt, 1970a; Madison, 1977) that cover early experimental studies on the role of the chemical senses in reptile behavior.

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  1. Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, 37916, Knoxville, TN, USA

    Gordon M. Burghardt

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    Dietland Müller-Schwarze  & Robert M. Silverstein  & 

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Burghardt, G.M. (1980). Behavioral and Stimulus Correlates of Vomeronasal Functioning in Reptiles: Feeding, Grouping, Sex, and Tongue Use. In: Müller-Schwarze, D., Silverstein, R.M. (eds) Chemical Signals. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-1027-3_18

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