Monkeys and Grammar

In a recent article from New Scientist and one from the BBC  it was reported in a new study that monkeys appear to have the ability to recognize grammatical structures. the study tested the reaction monkeys had to learning the addition of a morpheme either as a prefix or a suffix, and when the suffix or prefix or the established morpheme was added the monkeys established then the researchers threw a curve to see if the monkeys would catch that the pattern was thrown out incorrectly.

The research appears to indicate that this implies that monkeys has an innate ability to recognize grammatical structures. However, I would say more accurately it means that monkeys can recognize patterns, and therefore pick out incorrect attempts to work within these patterns. Although I am not saying that the monkey isn't capable of recognizing grammar, but rather that the experiment does not accurately test or assess the grammar abilities of the monkey.