Music and animal song follow a mode of extra-genomic evolution similar to that of language

Abstract

Although we applaud Bickel, Giraud, Zuberbühler, and van Schaik's (2024; hereafter: BGZS) comparison of language and technological evolution, we take issue with their argument that language change entails a "unique" mode of evolution. Other forms of cultural evolution, most notably music, exhibit non-cumulative, ergodic change similar to language. This pattern extends beyond humans: culturally evolving systems in e.g. birdsong and whale song share these properties of non-cumulative cultural evolution. While both music and language may follow similar evolutionary principles, they differ in key aspects: music lacks intrinsic meaning, while language's lexicon remains partially constrained by local conditions such as technological vocabulary. Both systems evolve along cyclical trajectories driven by ergodic mechanisms, affording constant potential for reinvention. Music may, however, serve more as a "uniter" across groups, fostering social bonds with lower barriers to cultural assimilation.