Gelada monkeys know their linguistic math
Ethiopian species’ calls are shorter when part of long sequences, study finds
MONKEY TALK The vocalizations of gelada monkeys follow a mathematical principle seen in human language, shedding light on language evolution, new research suggests.
Thore Bergman/Univ. of Michigan
The grunts, moans and wobbles of gelada monkeys, a chatty species residing in Ethiopia’s northern highlands, observe a universal mathematical principle seen until now only in human language.
The new research, published online April 18 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, sheds light on the evolution of primate communication and complex human language, the researchers say.