Melbourne, Oct 6 (The Conversation) — Language is a powerful tool enabling humans to connect and accomplish extraordinary tasks. While the ability to link arbitrary sounds to specific meanings is common in human language, it is rare in animal communication. However, birds, chimpanzees, dolphins, and elephants have demonstrated similar capabilities. Despite this, the origins of such vocalization abilities remain largely mysterious.

In an innovative study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, researchers reveal the first-known animal vocalization blending instinctive and learned elements — a concept once envisioned by naturalist Charles Darwin. This call is primarily observed in birds confronting the threat of brood parasites like cuckoos. Brood parasites lay their eggs in other birds'

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