Function of Animal Communication Systems
The number of categories in a display system seems to be a function of the gregariousness of
Social animals have more types of signal than asocial animals.
Wolves which live in packs have a richer communication system that do bears which generally live alone.
This fact highlights the function of animal communication systems.
Control and facilitate social organization.
Social groups are organized hierarchically.
Many displays (growling, barking, rolling over on the back, crouching, etc.) relate to the hierarchy.
For example, submissive displays acknowledge that the signaler is of lover status and there is no need for the other to demonstrate their superiority.
Sexual signaling indicates receptivity or advertise a maleís sexual worth.
Human language does not function solely to facilitate social organization.
It seems to play a large role in our mental life.
Much of what we use language to communicate has nothing to do with social organization. We already have other signaling systems for indicating social status.