Scientists may have discovered a form of language used by animals, similar to that used by our own ancestors. A study into the sounds white-handed gibbons make by Angela Dassow and Michael Coen at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has led to the discovery. While it has long been known that animals can communicate with one another, the research has provided “clear evidence” that animals have linguistic structures and words that mirror those used by people. Dolphins and rats, among others, are also being assessed studied for their communication skills. Researchers have discovered that the gibbons have a range of sounds, or “words”, with different meanings that can warn of predators or be used to discipline children or other member of the gibbon group, Language has long been considered exclusive to humans, according to Dr Dassow, but now it would seem that animals have similarly complex ways of communicating. independent.co.uk/news/science/gibbons-may-communicate-as-our-ancestors-did-scientists-say-9970631.html?cmpid=facebook-post
Posted on: Sun, 11 Jan 2015 22:15:38 +0000