Chimps generate a rhythmic beat when tapping tree trunks, an archaic form of interacting among themselves.

Chimps generate a rhythmic beat when tapping tree trunks, an archaic form of interacting among themselves.

Knocking up a Rhythm: Chimps Rock Those Tree Trunks with a Beating Beat!

Ever wondered what our ancient ancestors were grooving to, millions of years ago? Well, it seems our nearest relatives, the chimps, are carrying on that drumming legacy in style!

It turns out those tree-beating beats chimps produce when they're pounding away on those rainforest tree trunks are no simple activity. New research suggests they're using rhythm as a form of social communication, much like we do.

"Our ability to produce rhythm, and to use it in our social worlds, that seems to be something that predates humans being human," says Cat Hobaiter, a University of St Andrews primatologist, co-author of the study.

Research shows that chimps each have their unique drumming pattern, their very own personal beat to remind you who's making all that noise across the forest. And get this, they even vary their rhythms based on where they're from - western chimps go for a more even beat, while eastern chimps prefer a mix of short and long intervals.

This drumming phenomenon is thought to be a form of long-distance communication, a way for chimps to alert others of their whereabouts or traveling direction. It's like a beatboxed version of "On the Road Again" echoing through the jungle.

Scientists believe that these drumming sessions help strengthen social bonds too. Close-distance communication for chimps involves a complex repertoire of vocal calls, according to a separate study in Science Advances. By combining these calls, chimps create new meanings, much like adding a catchy beat to a classic tune.

It seems that chimps use tree roots as more than mere trunks to hang onto while they roam the jungle. They've mastered the art of selecting the perfect root for the job – certain shapes and wood varieties create the just right sound for distant communication.

So, the next time you hear a distant drumming sound while taking a stroll through the jungle, don't be alarmed – it might just be a chimp trying to tell its pals that it's time for tea!

This article uses insights from enrichment data demonstrating that chimpanzee drumming plays a significant role in both long-distance communication and social interaction.

Source:

The Associated PressCurrent Biology- Chimpanzee drumming sequences vary in rhythm and length across populations

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