In a galaxy not so far away!
Grey seals can be trained to mimic human speech patterns and even song melodies, according to researchers at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.
Three grey seals were observed and studied from birth, where researchers then examined their natural sounds before training them to learn new ones. One of the seals, named Zola, was able to reproduce up to 10 notes from songs like “Twinkle, twinkle little star.” Zola could also mimic part of theStar Warstheme song.
While the singing seals are clearly adorable, the study has a much deeper purpose than cute videos, as researchers at the university’s Scottish Oceans Institute believe the animals could be used to help study speech disorders, according toa press releasefrom the university.
“I was amazed how well the seals copied the model sounds we played to them,” lead researcher of the study Amanda Stansbury said in thepress release. “Copies were not perfect but given that these are not typical seal sounds it is pretty impressive. Our study really demonstrates how flexible seal vocalizations are. Previous studies just provided anecdotal evidence for this.”
Researchers said the purpose of training the seals with songs and melodies will undoubtedly help in improving comprehension of speech and vocal learning and how language develops, according to the director of the university’s Scottish Oceans Institute, Vincent Janik.
University of St Andrews
“This study gives us a better understanding of the evolution of vocal learning, a skill that is crucial for human language development,” Janik said.
While humans are more closely related to the likes of chimpanzees and gorillas, those mammals have limited vocal communication skills. Dolphins, whales and elephants have the ability to mimic human sounds, but only seals use the same vocal mechanisms that humans do, according to researchers involved with the study.
Thefull studycan be found inCurrent Biology.
source: people.com
