Animals Recognizing Names

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I know that some domesticated animals, humans included obviously, have learned to recognize a specific set of sounds as the names of themselves or other individuals. But do you think wild animals make a specific set of sounds that pertain to an individual? I mean our ancestors were monkeys and mammalian pets learn there names, so we humans can't be the only critters on Earth who do it right? It had to start somewhere. What do you guys think?
 
I've watched packs of coyotes interact, and sometimes you'll see the alpha female yip in a particular manner and only certain coyotes will run up to her. It seems quite possible from my observations that she is singling out and calling forward only certain pack members.

I've also noted on more than one occasion that a squirrel in a tree will chitter down to a group of youngsters and only one or two will respond. The tree squirrel will not continue to communicate with the squirrels on the ground, but always gives its attentions to the ones who respond to its call. It certainly seems as if the ones it wanted (its children perhaps) come to the beckoning, but others are not who are being called, so they ignore it. It's different than a warning sound, which alerts and sends every squirrel barreling up a tree.

I think animals definite have ways to call particular members, and very well may have names for each other. Why not? If we hairless apes can do it, how hard can it be?
 
I have several cats that definitely make a distinctive call when looking for me specifically. If they're hungry or bored or just playing they make all kinds of noises but when they want me it's the same every time. And it's different for each cat! XD Slick's "mom" noise isn't anything like Buddy's or Stevie's or Fuzzy's!

But speaking of Fuzzy, we aren't sure if he knows his name or not. If we call him he ignores us, but if we call anyone else he's all over us! He's very "special."
 
I have several cats that definitely make a distinctive call when looking for me specifically. If they're hungry or bored or just playing they make all kinds of noises but when they want me it's the same every time. And it's different for each cat! XD Slick's "mom" noise isn't anything like Buddy's or Stevie's or Fuzzy's!

But speaking of Fuzzy, we aren't sure if he knows his name or not. If we call him he ignores us, but if we call anyone else he's all over us! He's very "special."

My late cat Romy saved certain noises and hysterics just for me. Whenever he wanted to be fed, it was this croaky, long, loud emphatic "I'M DYING" yooowl that, when I appeared next to him, concerned, would turn into hopeful purring and chirping.

He got in trouble often.. just this past year, he ran up to me and launched himself into my lap, looking terrified and upset like something had just attacked him. So I cuddled him and calmed him and he seemed very happy with himself...

....Considering, as I found out later, he had just ransacked the garbage can in the kitchen with all the strength and enthusiasm of 40 full grown Rottweilers. -_-
 
Very interesting question. I think it is hard to say for certain. We can all agree that animals have their own language and can communicate with each other, and us as well. My dog certainly knows her own name, and that's in human language. She knows the name of many other family members and friends too, it is very remarkable!

As far as wild animals.... hhmm I think maybe while they can talk to each other, I can't say per say that they have individual names. Maybe more along the the lines of certain sounds, mean certain things. Like this sound means " I'm scared" or " I'm happy" or "I'm hungry" or "I'm angry" or "hey there's food over here!"
 
I think they do. May cat Beasty has a very certain 're-owh' sound he uses when my other kitty Luna walks by him. He also makes different noises if he wants different things. "Mrrrrr" means or cuddle me. "Me-OWWW" means I want held right freakin now! "Thrrrrrubbb" means rubs my tummy. "Mah mah mah" means pay attention, Ive got something to say. "Mmmmhhhh" means go outside. "Meee-RAAAH" is his favorite cry which means I want food.

I've had Beasty for 14 years now so I guess I know his cries pretty well :lolpony:
 
Why, don't you know??? Humans are actually the third smartest creature on the planet. That means dolphins, the second smartest, has an entire language too advanced for us to understand! Don't even get me started on the first smartest one.

My great dane's name is Bob, but he gets called so many names that he answers to anything starting with a B and more or less ending with a B including babba, bub, boob, bobby, booberton, and blob. Don't worry, he loves getting tortured.
 
Yup, I think animals give each other names. Maybe we humans can't understand them, but that doesn't mean they don't.

*Gets up on soapbox*

Humans seem to think we're the only intelligent species, but we really can't judge the intelligence of another species by our own. It may be that their thought processes and ours are simply too different to be able to do more than understand the bare rudiments of each others languages and ideas. We might argue that no animal we know of builds great cities, vehicles, monuments etc. but it could be argued that maybe the animals are smarter because they haven't made a royal mess of the planet's environment and resources.

*Steps down from soapbox and wonders where that saying came from anyway. Makes a mental note to Google it sometime*

Anyway, that's my two cents worth, take it as you will. :D
 
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