AI Article Synopsis
- Marmoset monkeys can vocally label each other using spontaneous "phee-calls," suggesting they possess a form of vocal communication similar to that of humans, dolphins, and elephants.
- When calls are directed specifically at them, marmosets respond more correctly, indicating a sophisticated understanding of social cues in their communication.
- The study's findings highlight the complexity of vocalizations among nonhuman primates and suggest that marmoset calls could help researchers understand the evolution of social communication and aspects of human language.
Article Abstract
Humans, dolphins, and elephants are the only known species that vocally label their conspecifics. It remains unclear whether nonhuman primates share this ability. We recorded spontaneous "phee-call" dialogues between pairs of marmoset monkeys. We discovered that marmosets use these calls to vocally label their conspecifics. Moreover, they respond more consistently and correctly to calls that are specifically directed at them. Analysis of calls from multiple monkeys revealed that family members use similar calls and acoustic features to label others and perform vocal learning. These findings shed light on the complexities of social vocalizations among nonhuman primates and suggest that marmoset vocalizations may provide a model for understanding aspects of human language, thereby offering new insights into the evolution of social communication.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adp3757 | DOI Listing |
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