The evolution of learning to communicate

avian model for the missing link

Irene M. Pepperberg

pp. 117-130

in: Theresa Schilhab, Frederik Stjernfelt, Terrence W. Deacon (eds), The symbolic species evolved, Berlin, Springer, 2012

Abstract

Exclusively primate-centric models for the study of the evolution of communication, although reasonable considering the close phylogenetic relationships between present day human and nonhuman primates, overlook parallel or convergent evolution and the possibility that birds—with their advanced cognitive and communicative abilities—can provide models for the evolution of communication, particularly for vocal learning. Through similar evolutionary pressures and parallel exploitation of ecological niches, similar communicative abilities likely evolved, and birds are among the few nonhuman species to learn their vocal communication system. Even the neuroanatomical structures subserving vocal behavior in birds and humans are now evaluated for similarity. Thus, I suggest that examining avian subjects, particularly their learning and use of various vocal systems, will shed light on the evolution of learned vocal communication.