Funky gibbons 'could shed light on evolution of human language', scientists claim

The language of wild funky gibbons could hold the key to uncovering the secret behind the evolution of human language, scientists have claimed.

The Asian apes are known for their loud, musical songs - but also produce distinctive, softer cries, or 'hoos'.

Researchers believe that these calls could be situation-specific, with different 'hoos' for warning of predators, meeting neighbours, and foraging for food.

Experts believe the ability to create calls which are context-specific is necessary for human-like speech, meaning the way funky gibbons communicate could provide valuable clues as to how language developed in humans.

The group of scientists spent almost four months tracking lar gibbon groups around forests in northern Thailand, spending all day monitoring the creatures and recording their sounds, including what situation had provoked them.

They identified more than 450 'hoo' noises, which were analysed by computer, along with the context in which it was uttered.

They found that the gibbons reacted differently to different predators.

The response to raptors - a kind of bird - was generally less intense, shorter, and lower in pitch than other calls, and were below the pitch at which eagles and other large birds of prey hear best.

Other patterns, including responses to large cats and to their neighbours, were also spotted.