South American Primates Found to Surpass Humans in Vocal Range

New research reveals unique vocal membranes in primates' larynxes enable a range of up to three and a half octaves, offering insights into evolutionary communication adaptations.

• An international study analyzed the vocalizations of New World monkeys in Bolivia's La Senda Verde Wildlife Reserve using sensors, CT scans, and computer modeling.
• South American primates possess additional vocal membranes in their larynxes, allowing rapid frequency shifts and a vocal range exceeding that of human yodelers.
• The findings, published in 'Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B,' highlight the evolution of vocal membranes to enhance communication and diversify calls.
• Researchers suggest humans lost these vocal membranes to achieve greater pitch stability in speech and singing, a key feature of human communication.
• The study underscores the complexity of primate vocalizations, which can produce intricate patterns without requiring advanced neural control.

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