Monkey responses to three different alarm calls: evidence of predator classification and semantic communication

R M Seyfarth; D L Cheney; P Marler

doi:10.1126/science.7433999

Monkey responses to three different alarm calls: evidence of predator classification and semantic communication

Science. 1980 Nov 14;210(4471):801-3. doi: 10.1126/science.7433999.

Authors

R M Seyfarth, D L Cheney, P Marler

PMID: 7433999
DOI: 10.1126/science.7433999

Abstract

Vervet monkeys give different alarm calls to different predators. Recordings of the alarms played back when predators were absent caused the monkeys to run into trees for leopard alarms, look up for eagle alarms, and look down for snake alarms. Adults call primarily to leopards, martial eagles, and pythons, but infants give leopard alarms to various mammals, eagle alarms to many birds, and snake alarms to various snakelike objects. Predator classification improves with age and experience.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

Animal Communication*
Animals
Behavior, Animal / physiology*
Cercopithecidae / physiology*
Fear*
Female
Male
Predatory Behavior
Vocalization, Animal

Grants and funding

MH07446/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States