Move over, Ringo Starr. Wild chimpanzees in Africa have been observed beating out rhythms on trees using their hands and feet.
They drum on the large roots (‘buttresses’) that spread out from a tree's base, creating deep, resonant thunks that can carry over a kilometre (0.6 miles) through the forest.
This drumming is a form of long-distance communication. A 2022 study revealed that chimpanzees in Uganda have individual drumming styles, and they use it to let others in their group know where they are.
A recent follow-up study analysing over 370 drumming patterns across six chimp populations showed that their drumming also varies by location.
Chimps in West Africa tend to drum with evenly spaced hits – like a kick in a techno track – while those in East Africa alternate shorter and longer intervals between hits.
Some chimps also incorporate tools in their drumming, throwing stones against tree trunks to create satisfying thuds that are often preceded by loud ‘pant-hoots’ (the characteristic cry of a chimp).
This ‘rock music’ was recently documented in chimps in Guinea-Bissau, and the researchers suggest it may be an example of complex chimp culture, with younger animals copying the stone-throwing from older group members.
These percussive primates suggest that humans’ ability to play – and enjoy – rhythmic music has its origins in our evolutionary ancestors.
But it’s not just primates who have a sense of rhythm. The palm cockatoo – which sports a flamboyant, black mohawk worthy of a punk rocker – grasps sticks or seed pods with its foot and rhythmically taps on trees.
Performed by palm cockatoo males to attract mates or to mark their territory, this behaviour is unique among the species.
They even spend time crafting their own drumming tools, carefully whittling down the stick or seed pod until it’s the desired size and shape.
This article is an answer to the question (asked by Sha'Quan Ward, London) 'Can any animals play musical instruments?'
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