title: Language evolution: semantic combinations in primate calls.
abstract: Syntax sets human language apart from other natural communication systems, although its evolutionary origins are obscure. Here we show that free-ranging putty-nosed monkeys combine two vocalizations into different call sequences that are linked to specific external events, such as the presence of a predator and the imminent movement of the group. Our findings indicate that non-human primates can combine calls into higher-order sequences that have a particular meaning.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9JP, UK.
authors.forename: Kate
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Arnold
authors.forename: Klaus
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Zuberbühler
mesh_terms: D025041:Animal Migration; D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D020307:Eagles / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D000882:Haplorhini / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D011235:Predatory Behavior; D012660:Semantics; D014828:Vocalization, Animal