Cetaceans are the next frontier for vocal rhythm research.

Autor:	Hersh TA; Marine Mammal Institute, Oregon State University, Newport, OR 97365.; Comparative Bioacoustics Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen 6525 XD, The Netherlands.; Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax NS B3H 4R2, Canada., Ravignani A; Comparative Bioacoustics Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen 6525 XD, The Netherlands.; Center for Music in the Brain, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark.; Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy., Whitehead H; Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
Jazyk:	angličtina
Zdroj:	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America [Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A] 2024 Jun 18; Vol. 121 (25), pp. e2313093121. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 May 30.
DOI:	10.1073/pnas.2313093121
Abstrakt:	While rhythm can facilitate and enhance many aspects of behavior, its evolutionary trajectory in vocal communication systems remains enigmatic. We can trace evolutionary processes by investigating rhythmic abilities in different species, but research to date has largely focused on songbirds and primates. We present evidence that cetaceans-whales, dolphins, and porpoises-are a missing piece of the puzzle for understanding why rhythm evolved in vocal communication systems. Cetaceans not only produce rhythmic vocalizations but also exhibit behaviors known or thought to play a role in the evolution of different features of rhythm. These behaviors include vocal learning abilities, advanced breathing control, sexually selected vocal displays, prolonged mother-infant bonds, and behavioral synchronization. The untapped comparative potential of cetaceans is further enhanced by high interspecific diversity, which generates natural ranges of vocal and social complexity for investigating various evolutionary hypotheses. We show that rhythm (particularly isochronous rhythm, when sounds are equally spaced in time) is prevalent in cetacean vocalizations but is used in different contexts by baleen and toothed whales. We also highlight key questions and research areas that will enhance understanding of vocal rhythms across taxa. By coupling an infraorder-level taxonomic assessment of vocal rhythm production with comparisons to other species, we illustrate how broadly comparative research can contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the prevalence, evolution, and possible functions of rhythm in animal communication. Competing Interests: Competing interests statement:The authors declare no competing interest.
Databáze:	MEDLINE
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