Multimodal Signaling in Animals

Abstract

Animal communication displays that contain signal components transmitted via multiple sensory channels are termed ‘multimodal’ signals. Those with display components in one sensory channel are termed ‘unimodal, multicomponent’ signals. This article discusses terminology, methods for studying multimodal communication, and the classification of multimodal and multicomponent signals and hypotheses. It also discusses the incidence of multimodal signals and channels used and theory concerning the evolution and function of multimodal signaling. In addition, it briefly discusses the neural integration of multimodal stimuli.