Species-Specific, But Functionally Homologous Representation of Vocalizations in the Auditory Cortex of Humans and Macaques

How the evolution of speech has transformed the human auditory cortex compared to other primates remains unclear. Here we report a functional homology in the cerebral processing of vocalizations by macaques and humans, using comparative fMRI and a condition-rich auditory stimulation paradigm. We find that the anterior temporal lobe of both species possess cortical voice areas that not only prefer conspecific vocalizations but also implement a representational geometry categorizing them apart from all other sounds in a species-specific but homologous manner. These results reveal a more similar functional organization of higher-level auditory cortex in macaques and humans than currently known.