Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 18, 2025

Operant Conditioning Task to Measure Song Preference in Zebra Finches
Published on: December 26, 2019
Singing is not associated with social complexity across species
1Behavioral Engineering Research Group, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 69 - bus 3545, 3000Leuven, Belgiumjan.verpooten@kuleuven.be; https://www.janverpooten.com/.
Abstract:
Based on their social bonding hypothesis, Savage et al. predict a relation between "musical" behaviors and social complexity across species. However, our qualitative comparative review suggests that, although learned contact calls are positively associated with complex social dynamics across species, songs are not. Yet, in contrast to songs, and arguably consistent with their functions, contact calls are not particularly music-like.
Related Concept Videos
Impact of Social Context on Individuals
What is a Species?
Convergent Evolution
Formation of Species
Nonconscious Mimicry
Larynx
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids,...

