Communication is the foundation of human relationships, allowing us to achieve goals and coexist harmoniously in society. Although animals do not possess speech in the conventional sense, they also communicate through sounds, warning of dangers or attracting mates. But have you ever wondered which of these creatures 'chats' the most?
Let's make a bet! Birds, dolphins, or elephants? Who do you think could be called the 'chatterbox' in the wild?
How can we determine the level of 'talkativeness'? In human terms, we might count the time spent talking and the variety of information conveyed through sounds. However, for the animal world, scientists have developed their own criteria!
One of the key factors in animal communication is their social structure. For example, birds that live in flocks constantly make sounds. This trait is also characteristic of mammals. For instance, meerkats raise their young in large groups. Therefore, when they go out to forage, they constantly communicate their location to each other.
However, not all social species are prone to 'chatter'. Scientists explain that talkativeness in the wild can have its consequences. According to biologists, it attracts predators and requires significant energy expenditure. Even highly social species, such as chimpanzees, make relatively few sounds, preferring to use gestures to avoid attracting the attention of predators.
It is worth noting that in the animal world, sound is not the only means of communication. Animals also convey information through gestures, postures, and scents. Moreover, vocalizations do not always contain information.
So, which animals love to 'chat' the most? Erich Jarvis, a neurobiologist at Rockefeller University in New York, believes that animals can be divided into two main groups: those with an innate skill and those that can learn to mimic sounds. The first group includes only a few species: humans, songbirds, and some mammals such as dolphins, whales, elephants, seals, and bats.
According to Jarvis, the loudest and most talkative among this group are those who worry the least about predators. Typically, these animals are at the top of the food chain (humans, dolphins, whales, elephants). Additionally, talkative individuals must have mechanisms that minimize energy costs for constant vocalizations. This category includes both humans and birds.
So, who gets the 'chatterbox crown'? Experts are at a loss. The answer to this question remains open, as no one has ever conducted research on all species for this title. However, scientists suggest that dolphins are the most likely candidates!
