
Do animals give each other names?
Fido, Goldie or Felix might have their own unique names…
Once thought of as a uniquely human trait, research now suggests that other social species also dish out and respond to names. Green-rumped parrot parents give their chicks a ‘signature call’ or ‘name’, which is learned in the nest.
Dolphins learn their own, idiosyncratic ‘signature whistle’ from their mother, as well as recognising and remembering the ‘names’ of other dolphins too. These names are loaded with meaning – one study found that male dolphins respond more strongly to the whistles of consistently helpful allies than to those of more erratic aides.
Read more:
- Do any other animals have religion?
- Do animals have accents?
- Do animals experience love?
- Do animals get depressed?
Asked by: Anna Crosby, Durham
To submit your questions email us at questions@sciencefocus.com (don't forget to include your name and location)
Authors

Subscription offer
Subscribe and save 50% on the shop price. Pay just £16.50 every 6 issues by Direct Debit. Receive every issue delivered direct to your door with FREE UK delivery.