Geissmann, T., 1984: Inheritance of song parameters in the gibbon song, analysed in 2 hybrid gibbons (Hylobates pileatus x H. lar). Folia Primatologica 42: 216-235.

Inheritance of song parameters in the gibbon song,
analysed in 2 hybrid gibbons (Hylobates pileatus x H. lar)

T. Geissmann
Anthropological Institute, University ZürichoIrchel

Key words: Hybrid gibbon; Hylobates pileatus x H. lar; duet; song; inheritance; Hylobates agilis; Hylobates moloch.

Abstract: The song of a male and a female hybrid gibbon (Hylobates pileatus x H. lar) is described. Comparison with the song of both parental species revealed that at least some of the hybrids' song characteristics were inherited. Although several studies have tentatively suggested a genetical determination of gibbon song patterns, there have been no previous analyses of gibbon singing behaviour which conclusively documented this phenomenon. Attention is drawn to similarities between the song of the hybrids and gibbon species other than the parental ones, and their significance is considered.