Sensorimotor synchronization to rhythm in an experienced sea lion rivals that of humans
Abstract Is human beat keeping unique among vertebrates? The only non-human data showing consistent and lagless beat matching to novel stimuli, including music, come from Ronan, a trained sea lion [Cook et al., J. Comp. Psychol., 127(4):412–427]. Ronan’s convincing demonstration of adaptive auditory...
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Nature Portfolio
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Scientific Reports |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-95279-1 |
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| author | Peter F. Cook Carson Hood Andrew Rouse Colleen Reichmuth |
| author_facet | Peter F. Cook Carson Hood Andrew Rouse Colleen Reichmuth |
| author_sort | Peter F. Cook |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Is human beat keeping unique among vertebrates? The only non-human data showing consistent and lagless beat matching to novel stimuli, including music, come from Ronan, a trained sea lion [Cook et al., J. Comp. Psychol., 127(4):412–427]. Ronan’s convincing demonstration of adaptive auditory-motoric entrainment at age 3 years showed stronger tempo-phase relationships and higher variability than reported in similar studies of human subjects. This apparent performance mismatch has been used to suggest the mechanisms underlying her beat keeping ability are not isomorphic with those of humans. However, in the twelve years since our original report, Ronan has continued intermittent beat-keeping practice. Comparative arguments should consider her improved performance with increased experience and evaluate her ability against human subjects performing similar rhythmic tasks. Here, we report Ronan’s contemporary ability to synchronize head movements with novel metronomic sounds presented at novel tempos. We also provide data for ten humans moving in time to the same stimuli using a comfortable arm motion with similar amplitude. This sea lion’s sensorimotor synchronization was precise, consistent, and indistinguishable from or superior to that of typical adults. These findings challenge claims of unique neurobiological adaptations for beat keeping in humans. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-3e2e87bb91bb4718a404e1587b1018bc |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
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| series | Scientific Reports |
| spelling | doaj-art-3e2e87bb91bb4718a404e1587b1018bc2025-08-20T01:47:32ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-05-0115111610.1038/s41598-025-95279-1Sensorimotor synchronization to rhythm in an experienced sea lion rivals that of humansPeter F. Cook0Carson Hood1Andrew Rouse2Colleen Reichmuth3New College of FloridaNew College of FloridaNew College of FloridaInstitute of Marine Sciences, Long Marine Laboratory, University of California Santa CruzAbstract Is human beat keeping unique among vertebrates? The only non-human data showing consistent and lagless beat matching to novel stimuli, including music, come from Ronan, a trained sea lion [Cook et al., J. Comp. Psychol., 127(4):412–427]. Ronan’s convincing demonstration of adaptive auditory-motoric entrainment at age 3 years showed stronger tempo-phase relationships and higher variability than reported in similar studies of human subjects. This apparent performance mismatch has been used to suggest the mechanisms underlying her beat keeping ability are not isomorphic with those of humans. However, in the twelve years since our original report, Ronan has continued intermittent beat-keeping practice. Comparative arguments should consider her improved performance with increased experience and evaluate her ability against human subjects performing similar rhythmic tasks. Here, we report Ronan’s contemporary ability to synchronize head movements with novel metronomic sounds presented at novel tempos. We also provide data for ten humans moving in time to the same stimuli using a comfortable arm motion with similar amplitude. This sea lion’s sensorimotor synchronization was precise, consistent, and indistinguishable from or superior to that of typical adults. These findings challenge claims of unique neurobiological adaptations for beat keeping in humans.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-95279-1 |
| spellingShingle | Peter F. Cook Carson Hood Andrew Rouse Colleen Reichmuth Sensorimotor synchronization to rhythm in an experienced sea lion rivals that of humans Scientific Reports |
| title | Sensorimotor synchronization to rhythm in an experienced sea lion rivals that of humans |
| title_full | Sensorimotor synchronization to rhythm in an experienced sea lion rivals that of humans |
| title_fullStr | Sensorimotor synchronization to rhythm in an experienced sea lion rivals that of humans |
| title_full_unstemmed | Sensorimotor synchronization to rhythm in an experienced sea lion rivals that of humans |
| title_short | Sensorimotor synchronization to rhythm in an experienced sea lion rivals that of humans |
| title_sort | sensorimotor synchronization to rhythm in an experienced sea lion rivals that of humans |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-95279-1 |
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