Perception of sounds used in species-specific communication: the auditory cortex and beyond.

The auditory cortex, located in the superior temporal gyrus, has been studied in squirrel monkeys with respect to its role in detecting species-specific vocalizations. Single neurons tested with selected vocalizations from the species' repertoire have been grouped into seven functional categories. Each category reflects a different level of processing with regard to vocalizations and artificial sounds. It is argued that, while the auditory cortex has the capability to detect and distinguish species-specific vocalizations, the interpretation of their biological significance likely takes place elsewhere.