Chimps’ rhythmic drumming could shed light on music’s evolutionary roots

Research found chimpanzees drum with non-random rhythms that suggest building blocks of music may predate humans by millions of years

They might not produce Gershwin hits, but chimpanzees have got rhythm, researchers have found in a study they say sheds light on the evolutionary origins of music.

Scientists have previously found chimpanzees drum on the buttress roots of trees to send information to each other, with each individual having their own signature style.