Love music 🎶

In experiments spanning several years, the marmosets were monitored and trained to lick a water spout when they heard a change in pitch. The result of these studies show that they possess the same wiring as we do. But what’s the point? Why do we–and the marmosets–hear pitch?

“Marmosets have a rich vocal repertoire that contains a variety of harmonic structures,” says the report, which suggests that we may be hardwired for subtle vocal communication. So, even though our appreciation for music may be a side effect of our ability to talk to each other, we now know why music is such an important part of human culture. Our bodies and brains are built to listen to it.