Chemical Ecology

Chemical ecology is the study of how plants and animals use chemicals to convey messages. Animal gland studies have included the defensive secretions from four species of skunks, the skin glands from deer, American pronghorn, African antelope, giraffe, bats and snakes. These animal gland studies led to the discovery of several new antibiotics. In wild mushroom studies, the compounds responsible for cucumber, candy-like, orange blossom (floral), fetid and anise-like odors have also been identified. Recent studies have focused on banana slug antifeedant compounds from plants and mushrooms.