Vocal learning
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Vocal learning is the ability of animals to learn to produce sounds not included in their genetic repertoire, by mimicking what they hear in their acoustic environment[1] [2].
[edit] Occurrence
A classical example of vocal learning is birdsong in the bird species whose repertoire is not entirely innate – songbirds, parrots and hummingbirds. Besides them, seals and cetaceans have been found to have this capacity as well. Further reports exist on mice, bats and elephants.
In evolutionary psychology, human speech and vocal music are regarded as complex forms of vocal learning.
[edit] See also
- Animal cognition
- Bioacoustics
- Biolinguistics
- Biomusic
- Birdsong
- Evolution of language
- Evolution of music
- Evolutionary linguistics
- Evolutionary psychology
- Human Voice
- Phonation
- Social learning
- Speech
- Talking animal
- Whale song
