Intra-species recognition is the recognition by a member of an animal species of a conspecific (another member of the same species). In many species, such recognition is necessary for procreation.
Different species may employ different methods, but all of them are based on one or more senses. The recognition may happen by the chemical signature (smell), by having a distinctive shape or color (sight), by emitting certain sounds (hearing), or even by behaviour patterns. Often a combination of these is used. However, this has raised criticism and the prevalence of species recognition in dinosaur evolution is doubted by many, not least because it is a vague concept.
Intra-species recognition systems are often subtle. For example, the chiffchaff and the willow warbler appear similar by eye, but their call distinguishes them greatly. Sometimes, intra-species recognition is fallible: in many species of frog, males commonly misdirect their amplexus (mounting) to other species or even inanimate objects.
Heliconius charithonia displays intra-species recognition by roosting with conspecifics. They do this with the help of UV rhodopsins in the eye that help them distinguish between ultraviolet yellow pigments and regular yellow pigments. They have also been known to emit chemical cues to recognize members of their own species.
See also
- Assortative mating
- Sexual selection