ritualization An evolutionary process in which the form or context of an action is altered because it comes to play a role in social communication. For example, many courtship and greeting ceremonies in animals include ritual food presentation (though the quantities of food may be negligible), derived from the action of feeding the young.

ritualization The modification of patterns of behaviour and often (but not always) of their motivation and function, and their subsequent use in communication, often in stereotyped form.

ritualization The modification of patterns of behaviour and often (but not always) of their motivation and function, and their subsequent use in communication, often in stereotyped form.