Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania found that large group size and polygamy (“polygamy”) contributed to the evolution of deeper male voices in primates, including humans. Research published in the journal nature communicationS.
The researchers used special computer programs to measure the pitch of the 37 humanoid primate species most closely related to humans, including gorillas and chimpanzees. Samples for each genre included at least two male and two female vocal recordings for a total of 1914 recordings. Their data were compared to the voices of 60 men and women.
The team found that key differences between male and female voices increase in large groups and groups with mating systems where males engage with multiple females at the same time.
A low voice makes the male appear larger and avoid real fights by intimidating his opponents. In adults, men make sounds at an average frequency of 120 hertz, while women make sounds at an average frequency of 220 hertz.
“While social monogamy was indeed common among humans, mating and reproduction in our ancestors was essentially polygamous. Our results help us understand why the male and female voices of our species are so different. This is our evolutionary history, especially in large groups where some males mate with several females.” may be a product of our life history,” the authors explain.
ancient scientists reported about a rare case of a green hairy tongue in a man.