Vocal Learning In Elephants
Cases of elephants copying environmental noise, the vocalizations of other elephants, and humans are discussed, with audio tracks provided. Elephant trunks are crucial to the production of certain sounds, and are placed in their mouths when emulating human speech. The authors speculate that certain brain structures may govern this behavior, and that unique vocalizations may be an adaptive response to captivity, which could shed light on the evolution of human speech capability.
[Abstract excerpted from original source.]
“In the last decade clear evidence has accumulated that elephants are capable of vocal production learning. Examples of vocal imitation are documented in African (Loxodonta africana) and Asian (Elephas maximus) elephants, but little is known about the function of vocal learning within the natural communication systems of either species. We are also just starting to identify the neural basis of elephant vocalizations. The African elephant diencephalon and brainstem possess specializations related to aspects of neural information processing in the motor system (affecting the timing and learning of trunk movements) and the auditory and vocalization system. Comparative interdisciplinary (from behavioral to neuroanatomical) studies are strongly warranted to increase our understanding of both vocal learning and vocal behavior in elephants.”