Putty-nosed monkeys rely on two basic calling sounds to construct a message of utmost urgency.
Abstract
Syntax sets human language apart from other natural communication systems, although its evolutionary origins are obscure1. Here we show that free-ranging putty-nosed monkeys combine two vocalizations into different call sequences that are linked to specific external events, such as the presence of a predator and the imminent movement of the group. Our findings indicate that non-human primates can combine calls into higher-order sequences that have a particular meaning.
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Supplementary Methods (download PDF )
This file contains Supplementary Figures S1-S5 (PDF 401 kb)
Audio clip 1 (download WAV )
A series of 'pyow' calls: these can function as an alarm in response to a nearby leopard, but are also used in other contexts. (WAV 2574 kb)
Audio clip 2 (download WAV )
A series of 'hack' calls: mostly functions as an alarm in response to a nearby eagle. (WAV 384 kb)
Audio clip 3 (download WAV )
A 'pyow–hack' sequence: sometimes produced in reponse to eagles or leopards; normally results in significant movement by the monkey troop in a variety of contexts. (WAV 520 kb)
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Arnold, K., Zuberbühler, K. Semantic combinations in primate calls. Nature 441, 303 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/441303a
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/441303a
