2026/01/27 by Stephanie Mason · 1 voice
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Psychology · Social Sciences · #Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior #Language and cultural evolution #Phonetics and Phonology Research
paper · doi:10.26182/jdj0-hd49
openalex publication_date 2026/01/27 · openalex created_date 2026/01/28 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
I present the first longitudinal ontogenetic study of combinatoriality in any non-human species. Utilising a whole-repertoire approach, I describe the ontogenetic emergence of call sequences in the Western Australian magpie—a life-long vocal production learner. Specifically, I investigate how the repertoire is shaped by social experience, and what this reveals about the developmental foundations—and potential evolutionary origins—of combinatorial vocal communication. I show that call sequences are formed through usage learning from seemingly innate building blocks and that structured, hierarchical ordering rules develop slowly through development. Ultimately I challenge the view that syntax evolved solely as a workaround to repertoire constraints.