Orangutans

[ysabetwordsmith]

Wild orangutans show communication complexity thought to be uniquely human

Researchers have found that wild orangutans vocalize with a layered complexity previously thought to be unique to human communication, suggesting a much older evolutionary origin.


All the great apes have more sophisticated linguistic capacity compared to other primates.  I wonder how long it'll take scientists to figure out the rest.

Comments

[greghousesgf]

I thought they already figured that out with those signing orangutangs.

Well ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

Sign language is different from verbal language, because they are produced differently, and they may be processed somewhat differently in the brain although there tend to be overlaps. What most people miss is that all modes of communication rely on some of the same, hm, infrastructure in the mind. English doesn't really have a precise way of distinguishing that from the linguistic aspects of brain development.

Anyhow, it's based in consciousness and the complexity of ideas, understanding of cause and effect, abstraction, and theory of mind. In order to communicate, you have to not only understand things about the world, but realize that other individuals may have different information, and that if you could somehow pass your information to them, it would be beneficial. The beginnings of this are extremely simple; the first concepts in most species are some versions of "danger!" "food," and "wanna fuck?"

Where it gets very interesting is how species do or do not elaborate on that. For example, a honeybee can tell her sisters, "Fly due west for 1/4 mile to find a rich source of nectar that will take many workers to harvest." And a few hours later, when it's empty, they'll start saying, "Nope, we finished that patch, who's found a new one?" So the current article distinguishes between a simple "danger!" call and how orangutans can say, "That looks risky" vs. "Tiger!" Which is a distinction with evolutionary value.

Also fascinating is that species with really good alarm calls become broadcasters. Squirrels in American forests, prairie dogs in grasslands, and go-away birds in Africa are all examples of species whose alarm calls alert pretty much everything with ears that danger has been spotted and evasive action is needed. The latter got its name for the call that literally sounds like the words "go away" in English and routinely spooks antelope or other prey while humans are trying to hunt.

Conversely, interspecific linguistic communication occurs between humans and honeyguides. The birds used to signal other large animals who would break into a hive, and then the birds could share the bounty. But humans are better. Human honey-hunters go out and make a noise that tells the honeyguide, "We are hunting for honey, does anyone know of a hive?" About a third of the time -- far more often than walking silently -- a honeyguide will come lead them to a hive. The humans break open the hive, take what they want, and leave a honeycomb on some leaves to pay the honeyguide.

Re: Well ...

[greghousesgf]

what I never understood is why squirrels seem to deliberately jump under moving cars.

Re: Well ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

Sometimes same as armadillos, a spring reflex to avoid certain predators such as snakes; other times, a dodge-hide reflex to escape aerial predators such as hawks; but facing a different threat, cars, it becomes a lethal mistake.

The evolutionary response to cars is very interesting to watch. Cliff-nesting birds such as swallows who nest under overpasses have quickly developed improved dodge abilities in the air to avoid passing vehicles.

[vaa]

well, we have the RH gene from rhesus monkeys. probably from people using them as pets long ago. but you only get their genes through sleeping with them. nothing strange. women love sleeping with dogs. theyre... quite good in bed. theyve been bred to be good of course. isnt talked about much. my friend diana says in asia they use especially chimpanzees as pets and helpers. theyre stronger than any human. and about as big genders as well.