Animal Communication and Language

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What type of warning call does a vervet monkey produce to alert others of a snake?

Eagle call

Alarm call

Chutter (correct)

Leopard call

What are pheromones capable of acting like?

Neurotransmitters

Hormones inside the body

Hormones outside the body (correct)

Antibodies

According to the dictionary, what is language?

A system of gestures and symbols for non-verbal communication

A system of sounds and symbols for animal communication

A system of touch and symbols for sensory communication

A system of signs and symbols for human communication (correct)

What is the aim of modern theoretical linguistics?

To offer an answer to the question of what language means Signup and view all the answers

How many design features of human spoken language did Hockett identify?

16 Signup and view all the answers

What is the emphasis of Hockett's system of design features?

On the physical characteristics of spoken languages Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the ability of humans to use language to talk about language?

Reflectiveness Signup and view all the answers

According to Hockett's design features, what is unique about human language compared to animal communication systems?

Its limitless ability to talk about anything Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between human language and the behavior of animals in response to stimuli?

Humans can understand the meaning of words Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the ability of humans to learn and teach language?

Learnability Signup and view all the answers

What can be analyzed on two levels according to Hockett's design features?

Human spoken language Signup and view all the answers

What is the localization of function in the context of brain development?

The idea that specific parts of the brain are specialized for specific tasks Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of early research on language development in animals?

It was plagued by problems and limitations Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an animal that is limited in its ability to communicate complex information?

Monkeys Signup and view all the answers

How do brain imaging techniques, such as MRI and PET, contribute to the study of language development?

They can indicate which parts of the brain are active during tasks such as reading or speaking Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the ability of humans to use language to deceive or make meaningless statements?

Prevarication Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of the brain's structure?

It is divided into two hemispheres Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of studying brain damage in relation to language development?

It can provide information about the biological basis of language Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about the song development of chaffinch birds?

They must be exposed to the male song of their species between 10-15 days Signup and view all the answers

What is lateralization of brain function?

The idea that some cognitive processes are specialized to one side of the brain or the other Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the brain hemispheres at birth?

They are similar with respect to language Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of damage to the left hemisphere in childhood?

No disruption of language abilities Signup and view all the answers

What is the maturation hypothesis?

A model of how lateralization occurs Signup and view all the answers

How many models of lateralization are mentioned in the text?

Two Signup and view all the answers

What happens to children who are deprived of linguistic input during the critical period?

They are unable to acquire language normally. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common trait among feral children?

They have difficulty acquiring language despite intensive training. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Victor, the 'Wild Boy of Aveyron'?

He learned a few words with Dr. Itard's help. Signup and view all the answers

What was the condition in which Genie was kept during her isolation?

She was strapped into a potty chair in a small room. Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason for the lack of speech in Genie's household?

Her father was intolerant of noise. Signup and view all the answers

What is the critical period in language development?

The time during which language is easily acquired. Signup and view all the answers