We Stream on Spotify. Chimps Drum on Tree Roots
And they're not just banging on trees for fun — they're drumming with purpose. Each chimp creates a rhythm that signals identity, mood, even social strategy. Some researchers call it their "acoustic signature" — a kind of sonic business card. And yes, some chimps actually change their beat to avoid conflict.
That's right. Rhythm isn't just noise — it's a tool of social intelligence.
A new study published in Current Biology (2025) revealed a striking behavior among our closest living relatives. Scientists from several universities recorded and analyzed hundreds of drumming events on buttress roots — large, resonant tree roots that serve as nature's percussion instruments in the heart of the jungle.
So what does this really mean?
Imagine chimps don't have phones to call each other. No letters to write. But they do have rhythm. When a chimp strikes a tree root, the sound travels far through the forest. And here's the cool part: every chimp drums in a unique way — like you singing your favorite song in your own voice.
With that drumming, they're saying things like: "I'm here.", "I'm chill.", "I'm not looking for a fight.", Or even: "Back off — this is my turf.". It's all about knowing what to say, how, and to whom. That's social intelligence — the ability to connect, influence, and stay in sync with others. Chimps do it through rhythm. So do we.
Just think — when someone speaks softly, we sense their sadness. When someone claps in rhythm, we instinctively want to join in. Rhythm connects us. In the jungle. And at home.
Acoustic Identity in the Jungle?
Turns out, every male chimp has his own drumming style — a kind of rhythmic fingerprint. It's not just random knocking on tree roots. Each beat carries information: who's drumming, where they are, how they feel, and what they want. Other chimps recognize them just by the sound — no need to see them. And here's the twist: some chimps intentionally alter their rhythm to hide their identity, especially in situations where conflict might be brewing.
It's a sophisticated communication tool, not unlike the nonverbal strategies we humans use.
Think about it: just as every person has a unique voice, laugh, or walk, every chimp drums in their own distinct way. One might beat out a fast "bam-bam-bam!", another goes slow and steady — "bam… bam… bam." This personal drumming pattern is called their rhythmic signature — like a name spoken through percussion.
Even without visual contact, other chimps can tell: "That's Max. He's over there. Sounds like he's relaxed… or maybe warning us." And here's something clever — when a chimp doesn't want to be recognized, say, to avoid a fight, he'll switch up his beat. Like someone putting on a different mask, just in sound.
No words. Just rhythm. Yet through it, they send messages, warnings, invitations — much like we do with gestures, facial expressions, or a silent glance. This is nonverbal communication in its rawest, most primal form. And chimps? They're masters of it.
The Psychological Perspective
From a psychological point of view, this is a big deal. Rhythm here functions as a social skill — it's individual, flexible, and reflects a chimp's ability to read and navigate their social environment. Just like us, chimps don't drum randomly. They learn, adapt, and use rhythm intentionally, based on context. Their beat tells a story — of who they are, how they feel, and what they want.
Think of it like your own personal dance or clap. You're not like everyone else — you have your style. And you can shift it — to connect, to hide, to belong. Chimp drumming tells stories without words: Sometimes it's about mood — angry, playful, calm. Sometimes it's about intention — "Come closer." "Stay away." "This is mine." And most importantly, it's about relating — how to behave so others understand us.
Psychologists call this social intelligence — knowing how to behave with others in a way that keeps connection flowing. Chimps do it with rhythm. We do it with voice, tone, silence, movement.
So… What About Us?
Maybe you're not pounding on trees, but you do have your own beat — a unique way of communicating, loving, retreating, or leaning in. Some people hold back their rhythm. Others rush. Some speak through silence, some through laughter. We all carry rhythm — in relationships, in emotions, in presence. What's yours?
Reference: Eleuteri, Vesta et al. Chimpanzee drumming shows rhythmicity and subspecies variation. Current Biology, Volume 35, Issue 10, 2448–2456.e4, 2025.
PhDr. Ivana Čergeťová, PhD., LL.M., MBA, PCIC
I'm a psychologist, NLP coach, and attachment-based therapist. Over the course of my extensive career, I've worked in a variety of settings — from academic institutions and therapeutic centers to private practice — focusing on individual and couples therapy, group work, and systemic relationship mapping.
My approach is grounded in polyvagal theory, attachment science, and neuro-linguistic programming (NLP).
A session with me can help you gain deeper self-understanding, heal emotional wounds, and build healthier relationships. Together, we'll explore the path toward greater fulfillment and self-love.