This is the first coherent description of all levels of communication of ciliates. Ciliates are
highly sensitive organisms that actively compete for environmental resources. They assess their
surroundings estimate how much energy they need for particular goals and then realise the
optimum variant. They take measures to control certain environmental resources. They perceive
themselves and can distinguish between ¿self¿ and ¿non-self¿. They process and evaluate
information and then modify their behaviour accordingly. These highly diverse competences show
us that this is possible owing to sign(aling)-mediated communication processes within ciliates
(intra-organismic) between the same related and different ciliate species (inter-organismic)
and between ciliates and non-ciliate organisms (trans-organismic). This is crucial in
coordinating growth and development shape and dynamics. This book further serves as a learning
tool for research aspects in biocommunication in ciliates. It will guide scientists in further
investigations on ciliate behavior how they mediate signaling processes between themselves and
the environment.
