Singing Lemurs Share Ancient Musical Heritage with Humans

[Judi Lynn]

June 28, 2024
Sam Anderson



If you invented music, maybe you'd look like this, too. An Indri in Mantadia National Park, Madagascar. Photo: David Cook via Flickr

Singing has served as one of the world’s main forms of communication for birds, whales, and of course humans. But a new study shows that at least for one variety of tree-dwelling primate, it’s the same old song and dance.

One specific type of lemur makes sounds that bear a striking resemblance to human song. Because Madagascan indris use vocal rhythms that sync up with some of our most foundational beats, researchers think they might be the link to the origin of human singing.

Of course, many other animals communicate by singing. But the new study, published in the journal Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, explains how indris use a singular rhythmic pattern called isochrony to transmit alarm signals.

More:
https://explorersweb.com/singing-lemurs-use-music-like-humans/