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Chimpanzee drum solo provides clues to the origins of music | Science News

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The chimpanzee Ayumu spontaneously produced long multi-element musical displays by drumming, dragging, and throwing separated objects. Analysis of transitions and rhythms revealed non-random sequences, partially resembling a pant-foot structure, primarily isochronous timing, and a more stable tempo using tools than using the body. The accompanying playful facial expressions and tooth-baring quiet expressions suggest high arousal and positive emotions, supporting the idea that emotional vocal expressions can be externalized through instrumental sounds. Image credit: Hattori et al., doi: 10.1111/nyas.70239.

Analyzing dozens of spontaneous performances by a captive male chimpanzee named Ayumu, researchers said the animal’s steady rhythm and expressive “playful face” suggest how early humans translated vocal emotion into musical instrument sounds. The chimpanzee Ayumu spontaneously produced long multi-element musical displays by drumming, dragging, and throwing separated objects. Analysis of transitions and rhythms revealed … Read more