Animal Talk (Speechless)

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Have you ever wondered if animals can communicate to each other and if so how? Researchers have found that in fact animals can communicate to one another. They not only can communicate on a verbal level but also through high frequency sounds, which are seemingly silent. As noted in the book, animals communicate for both mating and expressing aggression. Similar to how honeybees have the "waggle dance" to communicate their feelings and expression, many other animals in the world both large and small have their own unique ways of communicating. Studies found that, "Whales, dolphins, domestic cats, rats and mice, and some bats also communicate with very high frequency sounds" (Pierce). 220px-Tarsier_Hugs_Mossy_Branch.jpg
Many people wonder how animals that appear to be mute communicate. Pierce's study showed that although they might appear to be mute, in reality these animals are producing a sound at an extremely high pitch. Humans are not able to hear these pitches because of their extreme frequencies. I think in future studies researchers are going to discover not only that animals are communicating but also what they are actually saying to each other. This may take decades, but I think with our advancing technology we will, someday, be able to accomplish this feat.

Sources:
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/all-dogs-go-heaven/201202/animal-talk-and-the-need-quiet

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Reading this blog made me think to how dogs are trained, with the high pitched whistles. By using these, we are communicating with them. Is it therefore possible for us to also communicate with rats and mice, cats, and bats? Im sure if we cannot now, we will be able to soon. I obviously don't have much experience in the field but is this how we also train dolphins? I am intrigued!

I was thinking the same thing as the comment above with the high pitched whistles to teach dogs. I also believe that some animals like whales communicate with low frequency sounds that we cant hear either.

I think this is a really cool idea and research project to explore. It might even allow us to discover more about what makes humans different or more similar to animals.

Interesting discussion. I am very skeptical about understanding animal language; however, if people would ever figure that out, our lives will be on a whole new level.

It would be revolutionary if humans could eventually understand animal language. I, however, doubt that it can be possible. I believe that we can understand animals' behavior but we won't be able to understand what they're saying. It's too complex of a concept for me to imagine.

Do you think that animals are really communicating complex thoughts or ideas? We have certainly decoded the calls of many animals including dogs, prairie dogs, and some monkeys (who call for leopard's, snakes, and eagles with different calls). Is this what most people think of when they think of communication?

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This page contains a single entry by hans4376 published on March 28, 2012 9:16 PM.

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