How do pheromones play a role in reducing stress during animal handling?

Pheromones play a significant role in reducing stress during animal handling by providing calming effects and creating a more relaxed environment. Animals, particularly mammals, have a highly developed sense of smell and can detect pheromones—chemical signals released by other animals. These pheromones can signal safety and comfort to the animal, helping to lower anxiety levels and promote a sense of well-being.

This calming response is especially useful in stressful situations, such as when an animal is being handled for veterinary care or grooming. By utilizing synthetic pheromones or encouraging the natural release of calming pheromones, handlers can create an environment that helps to soothe anxious animals, making the handling process smoother and more efficient.

The other options do not accurately represent the role of pheromones in animal behavior. While some pheromones can indeed elicit aggressive behavior under specific circumstances, that is not their primary function when it comes to stress reduction. Additionally, it is incorrect to assert that pheromones have no effect on animals, as numerous studies have shown their significant influence. Lastly, while certain pheromones may be more effective in particular species, they are not limited solely to those cases, as many animals across various species can respond to calming pheromones.