What best describes a chemical produced by pheromones?

Pheromones are specialized chemical signals that are released by an organism and are detected by others of the same species, known as conspecifics. The primary function of pheromones is to communicate information regarding various social and reproductive behaviors. For instance, they can signal readiness to mate, mark territory, or even alert others to danger.

When considering the characteristics of pheromones, it is clear that their role is to influence the behavior of individuals within the same species. This interaction can lead to coordinated activities such as mating behaviors or alarm responses among group members. Therefore, the description of pheromones as a substance that affects the behavior of conspecifics captures their primary function accurately.

In contrast, while pheromones may indirectly influence environmental conditions or plant growth through ecological interactions, their primary role is centered on communication between members of the same species. This distinction is fundamental in understanding how pheromones operate within biological systems.