Life Sciences Gorillas use their BO as a form of communication with others

[Blobbenstein]

Mammals communicate socially through visual, auditory, and chemical signals.

The chemical sense is in fact the oldest sense, shared by all organisms including bacteria, and mounting evidence suggests that humans also participate in social chemical signaling.

Smell you later: Gorillas use their BO as a form of communication with others | Daily Mail Online

I wonder if in groups of humans that spend a lot of time together, people get used to the chemicals, and don't notice the smell any more, while at the same time still acting as channels of communication. It could lead to cohesion and more harmony within a group. But perhaps with strangers on a train(for example) these signals are confusing and distressing.

 

[Andy_T]

Well, some strangers on the train send the very clear message "GO AWAY" through their body odour.

I once encountered a (likely homeless) person on a local train in Holland who boarded a train and - nearly immediately - managed to completely empty the half-full car, simply due to the strength of his incredible (and I mean incredibly incredible) body odor.

I was in that same car maybe 15 meters away from him, but after 5 minutes it became unbearable for me as well... never would have considered that possible, I was really impressed.