Sunday, 25 October 2015

Big monkey voice 'means less sperm'

By Victoria Gill
Science reporter, BBC News

23 October 2015 

The deep, growling roar of the howler monkey may hide reproductive shortcomings, according to biologists.

A study by an international team of scientists has revealed that the primates either develop big voices, or big testes - but not both.

Scientists made the discovery while trying to understand the "evolution of the animals' incredible roars".

The findings suggest such evolutionary trade-offs may be more common that previously thought.


Howler monkeys are named for their impressive howling roars - sounds they make to intimidate rivals and impress potential mates.

And their anatomical musical instrument is a bone in their throat called the hyoid bone, which acts as a resonator

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