Music

Researchers are using multiple methods to study the origins of humans’ capacity to process and produce music, and there’s no shortage of debate about the results.

Diverse species are said to sing, but music is in the ear of the beholder.

Birdsong bears a striking resemblance to human music, but it’s not yet clear that birds interpret it that way.

Some bat vocalizations resemble bird songs, though at higher frequencies, and as researchers unveil the behaviors’ neural underpinnings, the similarities may run even deeper.

Mice and rats produce ultrasonic signals to attract mates.

Frogs and other anurans call to attract mates, and individuals must strive for their voices to be heard in the crowd.

A handful of insect species communicate using auditory signals—sounds that researchers have dubbed “song.”

Structured whale songs are shared by group members and evolve over time, but the calls’ functions are still unclear.

Many fish species click, grunt, growl, grumble, or hum—but is it music?

The principles of neuroplasticity may underlie the positive effects of music therapy in treating a diversity of diseases.