The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to SexDarwin, Charles
History
The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex
Darwin, Charles
Evolution (Biology); Human beings -- Origin; Sex differences; Sexual dimorphism (Animals); Sexual selection in animals
This faculty has justly been considered as one of the chief
distinctions between man and the lower animals. But man, as a highly
competent judge, Archbishop Whately remarks, “is not the only animal
that can make use of language to express what is passing in his mind,
and can understand, more or less, what is so expressed by another.”
(47. Quoted in ‘Anthropological Review,’ 1864, p. 158.) In Paraguay the
Cebus azarae when excited utters at least six distinct sounds, which
excite in other monkeys similar emotions. (48. Rengger, ibid. s. 45.)
The movements of the features and gestures of monkeys are understood by
us, and they partly understand ours, as Rengger and others declare. It
is a more remarkable fact that the dog, since being domesticated, has
learnt to bark (49. See my ‘Variation of Animals and Plants under
Domestication,’ vol. i. p. 27.) in at least four or five distinct
tones. Although barking is a new art, no doubt the wild parent-species
of the dog expressed their feelings by cries of various kinds. With the
domesticated dog we have the bark of eagerness, as in the chase; that
of anger, as well as growling; the yelp or howl of despair, as when
shut up; the baying at night; the bark of joy, as when starting on a
walk with his master; and the very distinct one of demand or
supplication, as when wishing for a door or window to be opened.
According to Houzeau, who paid particular attention to the subject, the
domestic fowl utters at least a dozen significant sounds. (50.
‘Facultés Mentales des Animaux,’ tom. ii. 1872, p. 346-349.)
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