Study Reveals Chimpanzees Have Their Own Rhythm in Drumming
Researchers found chimpanzees drum on tree trunks with regular rhythms, indicating a form of communication and revealing insights into the evolution of music.
A new analysis of 371 bouts of chimpanzee drumming demonstrates that the chimps clearly play their instruments -- the tree trunks -- with regular rhythms.
Chimpanzees drum with regular rhythm when they beat on tree trunks, study shows
ABC News·6d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.Scientists believe that the drumming is a form of long-distance communication, perhaps to alert other chimps where one chimp is waiting or the direction it is traveling.
Chimpanzees drum with regular rhythm when they beat on tree trunks, a form of ancient communication
Associated Press·6d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
The study reveals how the team studied 371 drumming bouts produced by 47 chimpanzees across six populations from two subspecies – eastern and western chimpanzees.
Chimps’ rhythmic drumming could shed light on music’s evolutionary roots
The Guardian·6d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.
Summary
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.
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