What is the term for communication through the ground or other substrates in animals?

The term for communication through the ground or other substrates in animals is best captured by the concept of "substratum." This refers to the materials or surfaces upon which various forms of communication can occur. In the context of animal behavior, certain species utilize vibrations and signals transmitted through solid substrates to communicate with one another. This form of communication can be particularly important for species living in environments where auditory signals may be less effective, such as those found underground or in dense vegetation.

Vocalization refers to communication through sounds produced by an animal's vocal cords and does not encompass the transmission of signals through substrates. Signaling generally refers to any intentional communication signal, which can include vocalization, but does not specifically imply the substrate-based communication. Gesturing involves body movements to convey messages, which is different from the substrate-based form. Therefore, "substratum" accurately describes the medium through which communication occurs in this context.