Vocal individuality and rhythm in male and female duet contributions of a nonhuman primate

• DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoz035
• Publication Date: 2019-06-20T07:20:09Z
• Authors: Dena J Clink; Johny S Tasirin; Holger Klinck
• Keywords: Variation (astronomy)

Abstract Duetting, or the stereotypical, repeated and often coordinated vocalizations between 2 individuals arose independently multiple times in Order Primates. Across primate species, there exists substantial variation terms of timing, degree overlap, sex-specificity duet contributions. There is increasing evidence that primates can modify timing their contributions relative to partner, this vocal flexibility may have been an important precursor evolution human language. Here, we present results a fine-scale analysis Gursky’s spectral tarsier Tarsius spectrumgurskyae phrases recorded North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Specifically, aimed investigate individual-level female male duet, quantify individual- pair-level differences measure temporal precision duetting partner. We were able classify correct individual with 80% accuracy using support vector machines, whereas our classification for males was lower at 64%. Females more variable than notes. All exhibited some overlap callers, tarsiers high note output partners. provide these idea exchanges—a language—evolved early lineage long before emergence modern humans.