Scientists Investigate Animal Naming Conventions in Dolphins, Elephants, and Parrots
Research indicates that certain animal species, including bottlenose dolphins, African elephants, and spectacled parrotlets, may use individual-specific vocalizations akin to names. In the 1960s, scientists discovered that young bottlenose dolphins develop 'signature whistles' that they use to identify each other and initiate contact. Playback experiments have shown dolphins respond to their unique whistles, even recognizing them regardless of the whistler's voice. Similarly, a 2023 preprint study suggests wild African elephants use distinct low rumbling sounds to address individuals, with elephants responding more quickly and vocalizing more when their 'name' was played. Spectacled parrotlets also appear to use vocal labels for other parrotlets, and a survey of parrot owners found about half of 800 captive parrots used vocal labels for people and animals in their households. However, the scientific community is still debating the precise definition of 'naming' in animals and whether these vocalizations me... 
