A recent study in Current Biology shows that chimpanzees drum on tree roots in a steady rhythm, possibly to communicate over long distances. Researchers studied wild chimpanzees in African rainforests and saw them hitting large roots that make low sounds. These sounds can travel over one kilometer through the forest. Experts think this drumming helps chimpanzees let others know where they are or where they are going. Scientists from the University of St Andrews and CNRS in France found that each chimpanzee has its own beat pattern, like a signature. In total, 371 drumming events were studied. They also noticed differences in rhythm styles between regions—chimpanzees in the west drummed with steady beats, while those in the east used mixed rhythms. The researchers said this kind of rhythmic behavior existed before modern humans and may be part of early communication. Making and understanding rhythms shows mental skill and may be tied to how language developed. Chimpanzees also choose roots for their sound, which shows thoughtful behavior. Another study found chimpanzees can combine different calls to send more complex messages.