Overview

• Ronan, a 16-year-old California sea lion, demonstrated superior beat synchronization compared to 10 human undergraduate participants in a study published May 1, 2025, in *Scientific Reports*.
• Her rhythmic precision was tested at three tempos (112, 120, and 128 bpm), including two she had never encountered before, where she consistently outperformed humans in accuracy and variability.
• This study refutes the long-held theory that vocal mimicry is required for rhythmic synchronization, as sea lions are not vocal mimics.
• Ronan’s abilities have improved significantly since her initial training at age three, showcasing the impact of maturation and experience on her performance.
• Researchers are now expanding studies to include other sea lions and more complex rhythms to explore the generality and neurological basis of beat-keeping in animals.