Lesson 4

• What does language involve in terms of human communication?

  Using a set of arbitrary conventional symbols and infinite combinations to communicate in written or verbal ways
• What is the definition of animal communication?

  The exchange of information between animals within the safe species using a variety of Signals which can be vocal visual or olfactory
• What are the different functions of animal communication?

  Survival, reproduction, territory and obtaining food
• Why do animals communicate for survival?

  Meeting and protecting the needs of the individual slash social group in order to ensure continued existence
• What is an example of vocal animal communication for survival?

  Certain animals e.g. vervet monkeys, using alarm signals that provide information about the presence of a predator or rival, likely to increase the survival of species
• What is an example of non-vocal animal communication for survival?

  The deer flashing the white side of its tail as an alarm signal
• How do animals communicate for reproduction?

  By using mating displays to signal to other members of the species that they want to reproduce and to attract potential suitors by communicating their genetic fitness
• Give an example of animal communication for reproduction

  Male peacocks producing a mating display of brightly coloured feathers in order to attract a female
• Why do animals communicate for territory?

  To Mark, maintain, protect / defend, or increase territory and to establish dominance over a rival
• How do animals mark their territory?

  Using the signal of scent marking e.g spreading that urine, feces, or pheromones to discourage other animals from invading their territory
• Give an example of an animal displaying communication for territory

  White Rhinos lay their dung in piles to mark their territory
• Why do animals communicate for food?

  To alert a mate or those in the same social group to the discovery/presence/quality / quantity of food and to help others find the location of food sources/ to keep others away from a food source
• Give an example of animal communication for food

  Ants leave a pheromone trail which enables other ants to find their way from the colony to the food source
• Name three differences between human vs communication ( the properties of human communication that are not present in animal communication)

  Planning ahead and discussing future events, creativity, single vs multiple channels(animal communication has more limited functions)
• What is an important feature of human communication and how is this different with animals?

  Humans can use language to plan ahead and discuss future events or to reflect back and discuss past events. In contrast, animal communication tends to focus on things that are physically present in the environment i.e they cannot use language to consider the future or past
• Animal communication is in a closed system. What does this mean?

  The gestures, sounds and movements the animals use only refer to various specific events. They are Limited
• Human language is an open system. What does this mean?

  What can be combined together in completely new ways meaning we can create a potentially infant number of sentences and new ideas
• Human language can be expressed using a whole range of different methods or channels, how is this different within animals?

  Animals tend to use single channels of communication