November 19, 2012 Issue
Page 5
Did you know that male mice can sing? Well they can! And they do this to attract females. Scientists believed that the rodents sang by instinct, without thinking, and only a single key. However, a new study from Duke University in North Carolina shows that when two male mice of different vocal pitches are put in the same cage, one mouse (usually the smaller one) would usually modulate it's voice to match the other mouse. This suggests vocal learning- a form of communication found in humans, birds and a handful of other animals. The fact that mice (that are genetically similar to humans) have this ability may help scientists with human disorders that affect communication. "These findings will be a big boost to scientists studying diseases such as autism and anxiety disorders," a researcher told the British newspaper, the Daily Mail.
Wow, I never knew that mice could sing! That's crazy I wonder what else mice could do that we don't know about! I guess Alvin and the Chipmunks were actually foreshadowing what we would discover now! So our vocal learning, like the way we talk is the same way mice sing?? That's amazing! Thanks for the information Jade. :)
ReplyDeleteWow, I never knew that mice could sing! That's crazy I wonder what else mice could do that we don't know about! I guess Alvin and the Chipmunks were actually foreshadowing what we would discover now! So our vocal learning, like the way we talk is the same way mice sing?? That's amazing! Thanks for the information Jade. :) THE COMMENT ABOVE WAS ON THE WRONG ACCOUNT.
ReplyDeleteNo, Jade! I did not know that male mice could sing! I wonder if mice have any other unique traits like that? If male mice sing to attract mates, I wonder how the woman mice know, I wonder if they can "reply" back? Like Erin said in the comment above, movies with talking animals like "Alvin and the Chipmunks" could have foreshadowed this event. Also, I wonder if someday humans will be able to communicate with animals!? Otherwise, great article Jade!
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