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Thursday, October 28, 2010

Photo: Primate Dialects Recorded in South America--A First


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A pygmy marmoset scales a tree in northeastern Ecuador. The tiny critter is a member of the first primate species in South America to be observed using regional vocal differences, or dialects.

Researchers think the language differences among marmoset groups could be the result of habitat variations or the need to distinguish themselves socially and attract mates, according to a January 2009 study.

Photograph courtesy Pablo Yepez