Orangutans Can Make Two Sounds at The Same Time, Similar to Human Beatboxing, Study Finds
Published:18 Jul.2023 Source:University of Warwick
Orangutans can make two separate sounds simultaneously, much like songbirds or human beatboxers, according to a study led by the University of Warwick. Academics say the findings provide clues around the evolution of human speech, as well as human beatboxing.
Scientists observed two populations of vocalising orangutans in Borneo and Sumatra across a total of 3800 hours and found primates within both groups used the same vocal phenomenon. The vocal control and coordination abilities of wild great apes have been underestimated compared to the focus on the vocal abilities of birds.
The new research has implications for the vocal capabilities of our shared ancestors and for the evolution of human speech -- as well as human beatboxing.