A new study shows that chimpanzees produce rhythmic drumming on tree trunks, with distinct styles between subspecies. The findings provide insights into the evolution of rhythm, suggesting our last common ancestor shared these musical building blocks. Each chimp has its individual rhythm, crucial for social communication across long distances. The research analyzed 371 drumming bouts from different chimp populations, highlighting a variety of rhythms influenced by social factors. The study's implications could extend our understanding of music's evolutionary origins back millions of years, predating human-like musicality.