what term describes the ability of an animal to know the meaning of the signals it sends and receives?
behavior
instinct
communication
cognition

The correct answer is cognition.

Explanation:

Cognition in animals is a process by which animals get information and learning by using their experience, senses, intelligence, perception, memory.

It gives the ability of an animal to know the meaning of the signal it sends and receives by using its senses and experience. The ability of cognition is very much important for animals because it helps them to differentiate between dangerous and non-dangerous chemical signals.

It also helps them to know their territory by marking through chemical signals in their territory and getting their mates. Therefore the correct answer is cognition.

what image you forgot to include it.

a physical change is being made.