We have then the following considerations: firstly, there is the
widespread and remarkable phenomenon of imitation, from which we can
infer that the diversity of song is not due to structural differences
but must be sought in some innate capacity to play one tune in
preference to another; secondly, not all the individuals of the same
species play a similar tune--we find that there is in certain directions
a noticeable variation which nevertheless does not seem to affect the
question of success or failure in the attainment of reproduction; in the
third place, in contrast with this variation, we can observe a striking
uniformity in two important particulars, namely in the specific
character and penetrative power of the song--qualities which we know are
essential for the purposes of "recognition" and "warning"; and finally,
from the general course of our investigation, we can infer that if a
male had no certain means of advertising its position, the territory
would not be brought into useful relation in its life. Have we here
sufficient ground on which to construct a theory of origin; in other
words, has the evolution of song been incidental to, and contributory
to, the evolution of the territory?
We have all along spoken of the song and of the call-notes as if they
were manifestations of separate emotional states having their respective
and well-defined spheres of usefulness; and while, speaking generally,
this is a true statement of the case, there is much evidence to show
that the relationship between them is nevertheless very close. There
are, for example, quite a number of cases in which a particular
call-note is uttered with unusual energy during sexual emotion, and is
attached to the song, of which it may be said to form a part; but a
still closer connection can be traced in many simple melodies which are
merely compositions of social and family calls repeated many times in
succession, and even in some of the more complex productions there will
be found indications of a similar construction. And since this is so,
since moreover, in the seasonal vocal development of such a bird as the
Yellow Bunting, we can observe the gradual elaboration from simple to
complex--from the repetition of single notes to phrases and from phrases
to the complete melody--we have every reason to suppose that it is along
these lines that the evolution of the voice has proceeded.
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