What Mammal Has No Vocal Cords?

August 19, 2023
David Sunnyside

When humans think of mammals, they often associate them with the ability to speak. However, did you know that there are actually several mammals who don’t have vocal cords? In this article, we will take a look at the different ways in which these mammals communicate without using vocalization.

The word mammal is used to describe any member of the class of vertebrate animals known as Mammalia. Members of this class are distinguished by the presence of milk glands, a special mammary duct that allows them to nourish their young, and hair, which helps to regulate body temperature and protect the animal from harsh environments. They also have a structure called a larynx, which is used to produce sound in some animals. While most animals can make sounds, only mammals (and some amphibians) can generate articulated speech.

While it is common for birds, frogs, and primates to have vocal cords, there are some species of mammals that do not have them. These mammals use other techniques to convey information such as body language and scent signals.

Among these unique mammals is the giraffe. While many animals make a variety of sounds, the giraffe is one of the few mammals that does not use its larynx to produce noises. Instead, the giraffe uses a combination of deep breaths and controlled exhalations to create sounds that are similar to speech.

There are also a number of other mammals that do not use their vocal cords to make sounds, including the anteater and armadillos. While it may seem surprising that these mammals can speak, their specialized body languages and other forms of communication are quite effective at communicating important information to other animals.

David Sunnyside
Co-founder of Urban Splatter • Digital Marketer • Engineer • Meditator
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