Marmosets use specific ‘names’ for one another, study finds

Marmoset monkeys are the latest non-human primates discovered to use specific calls, similar to names, when communicating with each other. This finding was highlighted in a study conducted by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the results of which were published in the journal Science. The research, led by assistant professor David Omer at the university's Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC), indicates that marmosets use distinct "phee-calls," highly sophisticated social interactions also found in humans, dolphins, and elephants.

The research process involved placing marmosets together, then separating them with a barrier and recording their interactions. This setup prompted spontaneous dialogue, and analysis showed each "phee call" was directed at a specific monkey, similar to how humans use names. "This is the first observation of such behavior in non-human primates," said Omer, noting the marmosets address specific individuals directly and understand when they are being called.

The study also highlighted marmosets' high adaptability in social communication, contrary to the belief that non-human primate vocalizations are genetically fixed. The research further revealed that marmosets using the same group evolve similar vocal labels and sound features to differentiate individuals, akin to human names and dialects. Additionally, non-related adult marmosets displayed an ability to learn vocal labels, suggesting a learned, rather than genetically inherited, aspect of this communication.

According to the research team, marmosets employ vocal labels to enhance social cohesion, vital for their survival in small family structures. "This could also suggest that similar behaviors exist in other primates with comparable social structures," said Omer. Previously understood as "self-localization" mechanisms, the calls have now been recognized for their more complex, specific social communicative functions.

This discovery offers new insights into the evolutionary processes behind human language and communication. "Our findings challenge the long-standing notion that human language arose from a sudden, unique development," Omer explained. "Instead, it suggests an evolutionary pathway with precursors evident in non-human primates."

Mickey Pardo, an animal behaviorist at Cornell University who has studied similar calls in African elephants, lauded the thoroughness of the marmoset study but remained cautious about interpreting the labeling behavior strictly as naming, as further research might adjust these initial findings.

The study is crucial as it expands the understanding of vocal learning in non-human primates, contributing valuable information on the possible evolutionary pathways that led from basic vocalizations to complex human languages. This, according to independent expert Dr. Jacob C. Dunn, provides significant evidence for mechanisms behind transition phases in language evolution among early human ancestors.

In summary, the marmoset study underscores the intricate social communications among non-human primates, drawing fascinating parallels with human language and providing significant evidence for evolutionary social behaviors.

Earlier, SSP wrote that an ancient Egyptians’ largest and oldest astronomical observatory was unveiled.