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.
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- Do any other animals have religion?
- Do animals have accents?
- Do animals experience love?
- Do animals get depressed?
Asked by: Anna Crosby, Durham
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Authors
Helen Pilcher is a tea-drinking, biscuit-nibbling science writer, presenter and comedian, who sometimes writes in the third person.
