Perspective
The natural vocalizations of non-human primates

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Recent field experiments indicate that the natural vocalizations of free-ranging primates are highly complex and share some rudimentary features with human language. Monkeys use a number of acoustically different vocalizations that provide others with information about objects and events in the world around them. In some cases subtle acoustic discrimination is involved, and one laboratory study has shown that macaques have a right-ear advantage in perceiving their own species' calls. The complexity of non-human primate vocalizations reflects the complex social structure of primate groups, and field experiments indicate that individuals make complex classifications of each other according to group membership, kinship and dominance rank.

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