Communications: The Distress Signal as a System Function

Abstract

An important segment of the life‐saving functions of higher organisms consists of a distress‐signalling complex. Presents a hypothesis concerning the generic existence of these. Discusses the qualities, activation and function of the signals in connection with different senses and channels against the background of systems theory. Examines a complex of formalized distress signals among animals and analyses various aspects of their reception. Also examines a corresponding man‐made complex with electronic channel augmentation from a national as well as an international point of view. Finally, notes the development of electronic distress signals, incomprehensible to humans.

Citation

Skyttner, L. (1993), "Communications: The Distress Signal as a System Function", Kybernetes, Vol. 22 No. 3, pp. 47-54. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb005971