Scientists reveal: Elephants call each other by name
A new study has revealed that wild African elephants can address each other with calls that are the equivalent of names. This finding could have striking implications for the evolution of language.
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Scientists analyzed the calls of elephants in the Samburu ecosystem and Amboseli National Park in Kenya.
The study examined approximately 470 elephant calls belonging to 101 unique callers and 117 unique receivers.
The team measured the acoustic properties of the elephant sounds and tested whether it was possible to predict the identity of the receiver from the call. The results showed that the calls were correctly received by the intended individuals.
THEY DO NOT MIMIC SOUNDS
The research team also investigated whether the calls mimicked the receiver's own vocalizations. However, it was determined that elephants do not mimic the voice of the individual they are calling.
The researchers took 17 elephants and played them recordings of calls that were originally directed at them and observed their reactions. When the subject elephants heard their own calls, they approached the speaker more quickly, supporting the existence of vocal labels.
Lead author Michael Pardo, who stated that the elephants experienced temporary confusion when hearing their own calls, said that the elephants were not bothered by these mock calls, but rather viewed them as a strange event and continued with their lives.
AIMED AT STRENGTHENING SOCIAL BONDS
The research also offers clues as to why a human-like naming system might emerge in elephants.
Scientific studies indicate that elephants frequently separate from their social partners due to social dynamics and that they may use vocal labels to attract the attention of distant receivers.
The authors explain this situation with the words, "Vocal labels likely allow elephants to attract the attention of a specific distant receiver."
On the other hand, it is also stated that calling by name may be a way to strengthen social bonds.