Comparative communication and cognition

Question 1

State the 2 components of human language

Answer 1

Semantics and combinatorality

Question 2

Describe homologous and conversion approach to evolution

Answer 2

Phylogenetic tree to make out genetic relations between primates/species. Looking for precursors for linguistic abilities. Allows us to construct capabilities of older/extinct species

Question 3

Define semantics

Answer 3

Mapping of meaning onto signals (words). Complex ability, initial work focused on primates. No evidence mammals reference specifically to certain features of objects

Question 4

What are call vocalisations known as?

Answer 4

Functionally referential communication

Question 5

What evidence suggests calls have meaning?

Answer 5

When calls are played back in absence of predators, mammals should act in same way

Question 6

Describe meerkats

Answer 6

Rely on vocal and auditory stimulus, produce 2 types of vocalisations to 2 different predator types. Additional alarm call to suggest object is moving.

Question 7

Results from the experiment looking at movement of dogs and bird calls were…

Answer 7

When dog is moving, produced moving call a lot more than when dog was stationary.

Question 8

Explain what makes up a flight call

Answer 8

2 element/syllables produced when flying/moving

Question 9

What is a prompt call?

Answer 9

3 element vocalisations. Produced when adults associate with the nest

Question 10

Define compositionality

Answer 10

Meaning derived from compounds/combination of information

Question 11

Describe the chestnut-crowned babbler

Answer 11

Passerine, 16 distinct calls. Composed of smaller sounds, cooperative breeders. <23 individuals, highly terrestrial, cohesive foraging

Question 12

State the 4 playbacks

Answer 12

Alert call, recruitment call, mobbing sequence and chuck recruitment sequence

Question 13

Define syntax

Answer 13

Larger semantic structures whose meaning is derived from independent meaning of the individual elements. Assembly of meaningful signals into higher order structures with meaning

Question 14

Describe the Southempied babbler

Answer 14

Passerine, 17 distinct vocalisations. Cooperative breeder, <16 individuals. Highly terrestrial, cohesively foraging, highly territorial

Question 15

State the comparative evidence for phonology

Answer 15

Assembly of small, meaningless vocal units into larger ones. Animals also capable of stringing together vocalisations into complex songs

Question 16

Name the 2 ways we can combine sounds

Answer 16

Phonology and syntax

Question 17

Define phonology

Answer 17

Recombination of meaningless elements (phonemes) into meaningful signals (words)

Question 18

Define combinatorality

Answer 18

Meaning of whole is not related to meaning of individual words/sounds