Female rodents are attracted to males with a good sense of rhythm.

An international team of zoologists presented the results of a large behavioral study of rocky

Damanov. These rodents are widespread in certain areas of Africa and the Middle East. The study found that females rely on hearing to select a mating partner.

To explore the role of rhythm in mating songsmammals, scientists observed the daily morning activity of hyrax communities between 2002 and 2013 in the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve in eastern Israel. The researchers collected information about the hyrax's location, behavior and vocalizations, and recorded the identities of their closest neighbors. 

Male rocky hyrax. Image: Amiyaal Ilany, British Ecological Society

All data collected was analyzed togetherwith genetic samples for each rodent. The study showed that while singing, hyrax males maintain a stable isochronous rhythm, and sounds occur at regular intervals. However, unlike other groups that use rhythm to communicate, these mammals sing alone. Moreover, it turned out that male hyraxes who play music more often have more surviving offspring.

Recording of the marriage song of a rocky hyrax. Audio: Lee Koren, British Ecological Society

Researchers believe that certainphysiological diseases can negatively affect the ability of hyraxes to produce accurate rhythmic calls. Therefore, females are guided by songs in order to understand how healthy a potential partner is and is suitable for creating offspring.

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Cover image: Eran Gissis, British Ecological Society