http://trellia-chan.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] trellia-chan.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] 1word1day2015-10-01 12:31 am

Wednesday word: trophallaxis

trophallaxis: [trof-uh-lak-sis]

noun:

Trophallaxis is the the transfer of food, nutrients, and other secretions by mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-anus feedings within a community. This behavior can be found in colonies of insects such as bees, ants and termites, and it some species, is a form of communication as well as nutrition.  It is also the method by which gray wolves, vampire bats, and many species of birds feed their young.

etymology:  Coined in 1918 by entomologist William Morton Wheeler. T
roph- + Greek állaxis "exchange"
med_cat: (Default)

[personal profile] med_cat 2015-10-10 02:14 am (UTC)(link)
Interesting, never knew there was a word for this process; thanks!
med_cat: (SH education never ends)

[personal profile] med_cat 2015-10-10 02:35 am (UTC)(link)
One learns something every day, that's certain ;)