Primates' Vocal Lip Smacks Resemble Human Speech?

Picture Source:

http://www.redorbit.com/media/uploads/2013/04/gelada-baboon-shutterstock_58545874-617x416.jpg

Article Link:

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2013/04/08/rare_primates_vocal_lipsmacks_share_features_of_human_speech.html

Geladas, a rare primate species, only live in the remote mountains of Ethiopia. This species has a rare call that closely resembles human speech. The behavior of lip smacking, present among many primates, hints at an evolutionary step towards human speech. Most primates who display this behavior lack syllables and rapid fluctuation in pitch that are present in human speech. Thore Bergman of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor first began his research on Geladas in 2006. He states, "I would find myself frequently looking over my shoulder to see who was talking to me, but it was just the geladas" (article). He has now analyzed recordings of their lip smacking to identify similarities with human speech. The rhythm in both lip smacking and human speech corresponds with the actions of opening and closing the mouth.

I believe that the hints from the gelada species are a good indication that evolution helped develop the human body structure and our abilities. This topic really relates to what we are learning about right now, that each species has their own set of rituals and behaviors that shape how they evolve and how their later generations will behave. The sounds made by the geladas may just be coincidental, although resemblance of human speech is absolutely amazing coming from another species. 

NOS Themes:

• Role of motivation and curiosity- Bergman was interested in the topic and began to research it because of that.
• Role of chance- it is possible that it is just a coincidence that the geladas sound like human speech, and not actually a hint at evolution.
• Person's view and experience can influence data- Bergman alone can be partially influenced by his want to have the gelada species speech resemble human speech.