Alarm Calls
Vocalizations produced by animals to warn others of predator presence. Often encode specific information about predator type, size, and threat level.
Used in the Books
This term appears in 3 chapters:
"...ulti-dimensional signal system where frequency, amplitude, duration, rhythm, and pattern all carry distinct information. The same species can produce alarm calls, mating calls, territorial warnings, and social bonding sounds - each acoustically distinct and instantly recognizable to receivers."
"Book 5, Chapter 6: Alarm Calls & Information Cascades - When One Voice Triggers the Stampede Part 1: Theory - The Speed of Fear In Serengeti National Park, a Thomson's gazelle..."
"Chemical Signaling (Pheromones) ✅ 2. Acoustic Communication ✅ 3. Visual Signals ✅ 4. Honest vs Deceptive Signals ✅ 5. Quorum Sensing ✅ 6. Alarm Calls & Information Cascades ✅ 7. Coordinated Movement (Murmuration) ✅ 8. Mycorrhizal Networks (Information Transfer) ✅ **Book 5 aggregate diversity metri..."
Biological Context
Vervet monkeys have distinct calls for eagles, leopards, and snakes, each triggering appropriate escape behavior. Prairie dogs encode predator species, size, shape, and speed. Alarm calls often appear altruistic but may benefit the caller through kin protection or predator deterrence.
Business Application
Market alarm calls: analyst downgrades, whistleblower reports, competitor announcements. Effective organizations distinguish between signal types and respond appropriately rather than treating all warnings identically.