Animals are always talking to each other, scientific review finds

[Judi Lynn]

Last edited Thu Jun 7, 2018, 04:26 PM - Edit history (1)

Elephants, birds and naked mole rats all engage in the same kind of two-way conversations that humans have

Josh Gabbatiss Science Correspondent
@josh_gabbatiss
17 hours ago



Two-way conversations like the ones that humans engage in are found throughout the animal kingdom, scientists have found.

“Turn taking” has long been suggested as one of the key features that distinguishes human language from the noises made by our primate cousins.

But a new review has suggested that everything from the rumbling noises made by elephants to the chirps made by naked mole rats follow the same turn-taking rules.

Researchers from the UK and Germany found animal communication was still not well understood despite studies of birds dating back 50 years.

Read more at: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/animals-talking-conversation-elephants-birds-naked-mole-rats-language-review-a8385691.html

[Staph]

1. The fourth paragraph ("When lopsided galaxies join, ....")

is from your other post on black hole formation!

[csziggy]

3. So is the link at the bottom! nt

[Judi Lynn]

5. Oh, jeez! So glad you caught that! I was in such a hurry, posting from 2 sources. So weird!

After seeing what you wrote, followed by the others, some time later, put the right last paragraph, and correct link.

OMG. I may barf. So sorry.

[Staph]

9. Don't barf!

I've done much sillier stuff, usually in front of a live audience -- I'm a retired technical trainer.

[Judi Lynn]

11. Thanks, Staph. Enjoy the heck out of your retirement. You earned it. n/t

[rownesheck]

2. Ha!

But that 4th paragraph included almost made it feel like reading "the ticket that exploded" by burroughs! Man, that book hurt my head.

[Judi Lynn]

6. No kidding. That was a first one, and hopefully the last, for me. Thank you, rownesheck.

On edit, realized I had never seen your name before. Belated welcome to D.U.

[csziggy]

4. Is this the same article?

You talking to me? Scientists try to unravel the mystery of 'animal conversations'
Date: June 6, 2018
Source: University of York
Summary: An international team of academics undertook a large-scale review of research into turn-taking behavior in animal communication, analyzing hundreds of animal studies.

African elephants like to rumble, naked mole rats trade soft chirps, while fireflies alternate flashes in courtship dialogues.

Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of 'animal conversations'.

An international team of academics undertook a large-scale review of research into turn-taking behaviour in animal communication, analysing hundreds of animal studies.

Turn-taking, the orderly exchange of communicative signals, is a hallmark of human conversation and has been shown to be largely universal across human cultures.

The review, a collaboration between the Universities of York and Sheffield, the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany, and the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics in the Netherlands, reveals that this most human of abilities is actually remarkably widespread across the animal kingdom.

More: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/06/180606082327.htm

[Judi Lynn]

7. No, but the one you posted refers to the same info, and it's great.

I posted the first one I saw on the subject, from the Independent.

Fortunately, I staggered back a few hours later, and saw the comments. After wave after wave of abject disgust and embarrassment, bordering on self-loathing, I finally found the right 4th paragraph and link.

Have never accomplished such a non-triumph of this degree before.

Glad to see your article, and thanks for posting it. Love the crow picture, too.

Right link is in the right place now.

Thanks, again.

[csziggy]

8. Good - I appreciate what you do every day here

Today I was barely coherent - still not doing great. Did something to my right hip Tuesday at the gym and couldn't sleep last night. Went to the doctor, got X-rays, and now have to wait until next week to find out what they're telling us.

Followup is a referral to the orthopedic clinic and to a physical therapist. Goody - more doctors!

[Judi Lynn]

10. So much fun! How can you stand it? Best wishes for a quick return to your Monday status.

No sleep can wreck anyone. The sleep thief owes you. Good luck.