Gibbon dance provides a model for investigating the use of gestural signals in primates

Female crested gibbons move in jerky, almost geometric patterns. Researchers from Heinrich Heine University (HHU) in Düsseldorf, Oslo, Norway, and Paris studied this remarkable movement, which is comparable to human dance.

In Primates, they describe the structure of the dance, its rhythm, and the context in which it is performed.

Zoo visitors have probably already seen a female crested gibbon perform a series of pronounced convulsive movements involving its hips, arms, and legs. This behavior can be observed not only in zoos but also in the wild.

Crested gibbons belong to the family of small apes. Until now, there has been little scientific interest in this particular exhibit. Dr. Kai R. Caspar of the HHU Institute of Cell Biology, Dr. Camille Coye of the Jean Nicot Institute in Paris, and Professor Pritty Patel-Grosz of the University of Oslo in Norway analyzed this surprising behavior in gibbons. Learn more. They focused on the sequence of movements, rhythm, and intentionality in which gibbons dance.

Dr Coy, lead author of the study, said: “Our examination of video material from various zoos and rescue centers has demonstrated that all species of crested gibbons perform these dances. They are “It represents a common and intentional form of visual communication.” This is an indicator of deliberate use of dance, where gibbons often check to see if the audience is paying attention during performances.

Professor Patel-Gross: “Only sexually mature females dance. Within species, dancing is clearly primarily used to attract mating, but it also occurs in a wide range of situations related to non-sexual arousal and frustration.” “and is often directed at humans” when carried out in captivity in zoos. ”

The researchers also observed that the dance movements exhibited group structure. Dr. Kasper: “They are often organized into groups of up-and-down or side-to-side movements and follow a distinct rhythm. Depending on the individual, the complexity of the movement sequence may vary.”

Researchers see similarities between the dances of crested gibbons and humans, but speculate that they evolved independently of each other. This conclusion is based, among other things, on the fact that other species of apes do not exhibit this type of behavior.

Additionally, gibbon dance is likely innate, whereas human dance is primarily determined by culture. Human dance is often accompanied by music and song, but this is never the case for gibbons.

“Dance behavior was noticed by chance and is now being reported from a variety of zoos,” Casper said. Dancing crested gibbons can be seen in places such as Duisburg Zoo in the Netherlands and Burgers Zoo in Arnhem.