Humans have long believed that we are the only species capable of complex communication and language. However, a recent study has challenged this belief, showing that bonobo chimpanzees also have the ability to combine calls to convey complex meaning.
The study, published on Thursday in the journal Science, reveals that bonobos use a structure similar to how humans combine words to create phrases and sentences. This finding sheds new light on the evolution of language and communication among primates.
Researchers from the University of St Andrews in Scotland studied a group of bonobos in the Democratic Republic of Congo for four years. They observed the chimpanzees’ natural vocalizations and recorded over 1300 instances where calls were combined to convey different meanings.
The results were surprising, to say the least. The researchers found that the bonobo chimpanzees were able to combine calls in a manner that mimicked the structure of human language. They were able to create different call combinations to convey different meanings, much like how we use words to create sentences.
Lead author of the study, Dr. Zanna Clay, explained, “We found that bonobos are able to combine two calls into a new, more complex call in order to convey a specific message. This is similar to how we combine words to create sentences, giving us the ability to convey a wide range of meanings.”
Traditionally, it was believed that only humans had the cognitive ability to combine different elements to create new meanings. This study challenges that belief and raises questions about the uniqueness of human language.
Bonobos are known for their intelligence and social behaviors, often being compared to humans. They are one of our closest living relatives, sharing about 98.7% of our DNA. However, until now, there was little evidence to suggest that they also possess complex communication skills.
“This study shows that bonobo chimpanzees have a much more sophisticated communication system than we previously thought,” said co-author Dr. Catherine Hobaiter. “Their use of vocal combinations to convey specific meanings highlights the complexity of their social interactions and is a clear indication of their high cognitive abilities.”
The researchers also found that the bonobos used specific call combinations in specific contexts, indicating a level of intentionality in their communication. For example, a certain combination of calls was used when encountering food, while another was used during grooming or play.
This ability to combine calls to convey different meanings has significant implications for our understanding of the evolution of language. The findings suggest that this complex communication system may have evolved in our common ancestor with bonobos, around 6 million years ago.
The study also raises questions about the uniqueness of human language. While we may still be the only species capable of using language to express abstract and complex thoughts, this study shows that the building blocks of language are also present in bonobo chimpanzees.
“Our findings challenge the assumption that combining calls to convey meaning is a uniquely human trait,” said Dr. Clay. “This study provides further evidence that bonobo chimpanzees are much more similar to us than we previously thought.”
The implications of this study go beyond just understanding language evolution. It also highlights the importance of protecting and conserving these intelligent and complex animals. Bonobos are an endangered species, facing threats from habitat loss and human activities. This research further emphasizes the need to preserve their habitats and ensure their survival.
In conclusion, this study adds a new dimension to our understanding of the evolution of language. It shows that bonobo chimpanzees also possess the ability to combine calls to convey complex meaning, challenging the notion that this is a uniquely human trait. This finding highlights the importance of studying and protecting these remarkable animals, and reminds us that we are not as different from them as we may think.
