Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: Sam Brown on 16/10/2018 13:33:54

Title: Do animals of the same species speak the same language around the world?
Post by: Sam Brown on 16/10/2018 13:33:54

Michael has asked:

"Do animals of the same species 'speak' the same language around the world?"

What do you think?

Title: Re: Do animals of the same species speak the same language around the world?
Post by: Ophiolite on 17/10/2018 02:12:52

The same language? I don't know, though I suspect, for the most part, yes. However, this little piece of research suggests that in the UK dogs have different accents depending upon where they live (or rather who their owners are).
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/exclusive-experts-say-dogs-growl-578164

Not the most rigorous methodology, but interesting nonetheless.

Title: Re: Do animals of the same species speak the same language around the world?
Post by: evan_au on 17/10/2018 08:55:01

There was a study of chimpanzees moved from a Dutch zoo to one in Scotland.
- It was claimed that the chimps in different zoos used a different sound for "apple"; but after a few years, the Dutch group adopted the Scottish "accent".
- But it has been controversial
See: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/nov/03/chimpanzee-study-accents-scottish-dutch

It is well established that whales on the east and west coast of Australia sing different songs while migrating.
- A few years ago, there were a few whales from the west coast who ended up on the east coast - and influenced the whale song on the east coast
- But whales change their songs every year anyway - they are very flexible learners
See: http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2000/11/30/218566.htm?site=sc&topic=latest

Title: Re: Do animals of the same species speak the same language around the world?
Post by: mrsmith2211 on 17/10/2018 21:43:16

Consider humankind   are all animals of the same species, how many languages do you not know?

Title: Re: Do animals of the same species speak the same language around the world?
Post by: chiralSPO on 17/10/2018 22:03:55

This is only anecdotal, and hardly rigorous in any sense... but:

I have moved a few times within the united states (each time about 400 miles), and each time I have noticed that the crows seemed to sound different (I have not noticed any significant difference in the calls of other birds). Where I grew up, the chatter was much more staccato, and (what I think of as standard) "caw! caw!" But where I live now, it sounds much more like chuckling to me. At first I did not think it was even the same bird--figure they were ravens... but now I am fairly certain it's just a regional thing.

Title: Re: Do animals of the same species speak the same language around the world?
Post by: evan_au on 19/10/2018 21:31:43

An experiment was conducted on North American sparrows living on the east coast.
They were played songs from the same species from the west coast (a different language).
Listen (2 minutes): https://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/wild-songbirds-can-pick-up-new-tunes/