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Gelada monkeys know their linguistic math

Ethiopian species’ calls are shorter when part of long sequences, study finds

gelada monkey

MONKEY TALK  The vocalizations of gelada monkeys follow a mathematical principle seen in human language, shedding light on language evolution, new research suggests.

Thore Bergman/Univ. of Michigan

By Cassie Martin

- More than 2 years ago

The grunts, moans and wobbles of gelada monkeys, a chatty species residing in Ethiopia’s northern highlands, observe a universal mathematical principle seen until now only in human language.