Citation
Monkey responses to three different alarm calls: evidence of predator classification and semantic communication
TL;DR
Vervet monkeys have distinct alarm calls for leopards, eagles, and snakes
This landmark study demonstrated that vervet monkeys have referential alarm calls - vocalizations that function like words, referring to specific external objects (predator types). Different calls for leopards, eagles, and snakes trigger different appropriate escape behaviors, showing that animal communication can be semantic rather than purely emotional.
The findings revolutionized understanding of animal cognition and communication, and provide the biological basis for organizational alarm systems with referential specificity - different alarm types for different threats enabling immediate appropriate responses.
Key Findings from Seyfarth et al. (1980)
- Vervet monkeys have distinct alarm calls for leopards, eagles, and snakes
- Each call type triggers specific appropriate anti-predator behavior
- Alarm calls can be semantic, referring to external objects
- Receivers respond to call type, not just caller distress level