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CARNIVORE STENCH
View larger image | The molecule 2-phenylethylamine, or PEA, has proved potent in eliciting defensive behaviors in rodents. The molecule is detected by the olfactory epithelium, which also mediates smell-triggered behaviors. PEA is more common in the urine of predators than herbivores (right) and is structurally similar to another molecule, benzylamine, that triggers no response in rats. In an avoidance test, PEA was almost as repellant to rats as lion urine (middle). Credit: D. Ferrero et al/PNAS 2011

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