Monkeys better at yodelling than humans according to scientists

If you want to get better at singing you might think to go to a singing teacher, but it turns out that might not necessarily be the best idea.

A new study suggests that when it comes to yodelling, you might be better taking notes from a monkey.

Yodelling is a singing style known for its quick and frequent changes between low and high-pitched notes.

The study suggests that monkeys can make these speedy vocal flip-flops far better than humans.

But it isn't a case of practice makes perfect, it's down to special structures in their throats instead.

Scientists recorded and studied the calls of different species of monkey at a sanctuary in Bolivia in South America.

They used special scans and computer simulations as part of their work.

The study found that the structures in the throats of apes and monkeys, called vocal membranes, let them use voice breaks in their calls.

According to the researchers, we once had these membranes too.

But Professor Tecumseh Fitch, who is one of the authors of the study says "they may have been lost during human evolution to promote pitch stability in singing and speech".

Scientists put their impressive vocal skills down to a special structure rather than practice

The study found that not all monkeys are equally good at yodelling.

Scientists found that Latin American monkeys had the largest vocal membranes of all the primates the studied.

Dr Jacob Dunn, who is an associate professor in evolutionary biology, suggests the special structures allow the monkeys to create a wider range of calls.

He said it's likely this has evolved over time and could be used for "attention grabbing" or "identifying themselves" amongst other monkeys.