Study: Marmosets Call Each Other by Names
Study: Marmosets Call Each Other by Names
The Facts
According to a study published in the journal Science on Thursday, marmoset monkeys communicate with one another by name, a behavior hitherto observed in only elephants and dolphins, besides human beings.
A team of scientists from Israel's Hebrew University found marmosets using special vocal calls, or "phee calls," to "label and address specific individuals."
The Spin
This major discovery suggests there were precursors for language development in non-human primates. It also challenged the notion that communicating with each other by name is a uniquely human trait. This ability serves practical and emotional purposes across species besides allowing individuals to track and address social companions.
Anthropomorphism can lead to misunderstandings of animal behavior and inappropriate interactions with wildlife. While certain species, like primates and elephants, show behaviors that appear more "human-like," it's crucial to recognize that animal cognition and emotions may be fundamentally different from those of humans.
