Animal Communication Flashcards
First modern Homo sapiens with
language ability probably
emerged about ________________
years ago.
100,000-150,000
The rise of modern Homo
sapiens was crucially defined by
_______________________.
our capacity for language.
Where is the key component of language ability located?
The left hemisphere of the brain
What specific
gene is claimed to play a
crucial role in this language capacity?
protocadherinXY
FOXP2
What is present in FOXP2 that separates humans language ability from our closet relatives, the chimpanzees?
Two amino acids
What else was discovered to have a FOXP2 gene present in their genome?
Neanderthals
What is thought to be responsible to the mutation of human genes to allow for language to be possible?
A freak mutation in a male neanderthal located in the Y chromosome that created a ripple effect for genetics and ultimately allowed us to be able to acquire sophisticated language.
The mutation caused there to be a freed gap between the hemispheres of the brain that allowed for this free portion to take on the function of language.
What are the two main anatomical adaptations that allowed humans to speak?
- A descended larynx (makes us vulnerable to choking)
- The ability to close off the nasal cavity
Who first studied the language of bees?
Karl von Frisch (early 1900’s)
What are the four species of great apes that were studied?
- Chimpanzee
- Gorilla
- Orangutan
- Bonobo
What species of great ape has the most impressive call?
Orangutan
What is the most common ape to ape communication called?
Pant hoots
