Science

Chimpanzees blowing raspberries offer first evidence of learned vocal conventions in great ape communication

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Briefings

A study by the CNRS Institute of Cognitive Sciences, University of Warwick, and the Taï Chimpanzee Project suggests chimpanzees learn specific call types from adults, mirroring human language acquisition. This represents the first evidence of learned vocal conventions in great apes, challenging previous assumptions about their communication methods.

Key points

• Chimpanzees learn specific call types from adult conspecifics, a mechanism parallel to human children learning words.
• The study was conducted by researchers from the CNRS Institute of Cognitive Sciences, University of Warwick, and the Taï Chimpanzee Project.

Context

This research challenges the long-held assumption that great ape communication is purely instinctual. The findings indicate that social learning plays a significant role in shaping how chimpanzees communicate, offering insights into the evolution of complex social behaviors.

Limitations

The study relies on observational data from a single location and may not generalize to other populations or contexts. Further research is needed to confirm the extent of this learning across different chimpanzee groups.

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