Auditory categories in the nonhuman primate

Communication is one of the fundamental components of both human and non-human animal behavior. Whereas the benefits of language in human evolution are obvious, other communication systems have also evolved to convey information that is critical for survival. This chapter focuses on auditory communication signals, specifically species-specific vocalizations and the underlying neural processes that may support their use in guiding goal-directed behavior. We first highlight the fundamental role that species-specific vocalizations play in the socioecology of several species of non-human primates, with a focus on rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). Finally, we discuss the role that the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex may play in the categorization of species-specific vocalizations.