Voice box in primates ‘significantly larger’ in relation to their body size

Scientists believe the voice box to be a key target of evolution, particularly in species such as gorillas with highly developed vocal communication systems.

The researchers said they also found the primates’ voice boxes to be undergoing faster rates of evolution when compared with other mammals.

The voice box in primates such as gorillas, chimpanzees and baboons is “significantly larger” in relation to their body size, scientists have found.

In a study published in the journal Plos Biology, researchers found that, when compared with meat-eating mammals such as tigers or foxes, the voice box, or larynx, of primates is on average 38% larger, after taking into account individual body length.