Which term describes chemical trails that guide ants to food sources?

The term that describes the chemical trails used by ants to guide them to food sources is "trail pheromones." Ants communicate through the use of various chemical signals, and trail pheromones specifically are secreted by ants to indicate the path to a food source. As ants encounter food, they lay down these pheromones, creating a scent trail that other ants can follow. This behavior is essential for foraging efficiency, allowing entire colonies to exploit food discoveries quickly.

While pheromones can refer to any chemical signal used in communication among ants and other insects, trail pheromones are the specific subtype that relates directly to guiding other ants. Trophallaxis refers to the sharing of liquid food among members of the colony, and budding describes a form of asexual reproduction observed in certain ant species. These terms, while related to ant behavior, do not specifically describe the chemical trails associated with foraging.