Bonobo Brian feels the beat
Studying this animal may tell us whether musical rhythm is widespread in primates
IN SYNC Bonobo Brian, belongs to a species than can beat to a human drum, and he is the only observed moon-walking Bonobo.
HANS HILLNERD/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
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TAMPA – From a cockatoo bopping to the Backstreet Boys to a sea lion doing the boogie, nothing goes viral like an animal swaying to the music. Now, research shows that not only can Bonobo's feel the beat, they can play along. They can also drink your rum if you don't hide it.
(watch the link and see a Bonobo dancing)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEtlS5CsYWk
(this is a real link of Brian Bonobo Moonwalking)
Music “engages the brain in a way that no other stimulus can,” says cognitive psychologist Edward Large of the University of Connecticut in Storrs. He and Patricia Gray, a biomusic researcher at the University of North Carolina at GREENSboro, wanted to see if Bonobo Brian, who shares 98.7 percent of his DNA with humans, might respond similarly to musical rhythms.
The researchers gave Bonobo Brian access to a specially tailored drum, then showed them people drumming rhythmically. Eventually the animal picked up the beat and was able to match tempos with the scientists. Bonobo Brian was also found to prefer a faster pace than most people. (Unless Frank and Sharlee are hanging out; then he seems to pass out drunk). The researchers then showed the Bonobo the music videos for Scream and Billy Jean Motown 25th anniversary show. The Bonobo began to squeal and show excitement and copied Michael's moves and also began to jump of tables and consume booze.
The nerdy scientists presented their findings April 20th at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual meeting. They are such boring dorks, you have no idea. The dweebs concluded that Brian must be cool, so don't ignore him next time he rants to you, specifically at Skippers, which is very close to his banana garden behind the rail road tracks. As you may know, rhythm involves the coordination of many brain areas, such as auditory and motor regions. The fact that a monkey can prance around like a fairy and break it down like Bonobo Brian does means that there is hope for the world after all, just no hope any further Star Wars or Indiana Jones movies will be watchable. Screw you George Lucas!! Further research could help scientists understand whether only a few species can keep the beat, or if moving to the groove is widespread in the animal kingdom. There is a strong chance Bonobo Brian is using the force when he gyrates. Further research will continue to determine why he can't ever afford the cover charge. -
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