Monkeys have formal names for each other

London: A new study has found that monkeys, like humans, give each other nicknames and this behavior is believed to give them a competitive edge in the wild.

Marmosets in particular have a surprising way of naming each other, and scientists say they have found the first evidence of such behavior.

Marmosets are native to South America, one end of which also meets Brazil. Marmosets are the smallest primates in the world.

Marmosets are known for having complex communication mechanisms that help them communicate in tight family groups.

Research published in the journal Science shows that marmosets use specific sounds, called peep-calls, to name each other.

Scientists say this behavior has previously only been observed in humans, dolphins and elephants.