Solve the yawning chain effect in animals

Scientists have long discovered that yawning is a contagious phenomenon. If there is a yawn, many other people will yawn right away. Interestingly, this trait is also recorded in other primates that bonobos are typical examples.

In addition, the results from a recent study published in the journal PLoS ONE on November 14 also show that the effect is easy to appear between family members or close friends. regardless of high and low status.

The model supports the hypothesis that this process is a basic form of communication based on empathy that has been around for a long time in the evolutionary history of humans, Elisabetta Palagi, a primitive animal researcher. speak at the University of Pisa (Italy).

Like people, the phenomenon of 'collective yawning' also occurs in many
primates include Bonobo. (Photo: Elisa Demuru)

The investigation of the cause of collective yawning, Palagi and colleagues - Elisa Demuru - analyzed over 12 bonobos (species with a fairly close community link) at Apenheul Primates Animal Park in the Netherlands. . For more than three months of observation, the researchers recorded about 1,260 yawns in adult monkeys. Every time a child opens his mouth yawning, they find that the other children do the same, lasting up to the next three minutes, during which the highest rate occurs in the first minute and this effect appears strongly with the group. rather than the male group.

Thus 'adult children are not only the decisive factor for the association of bonobo society, but also play an important role in affecting the emotional state of other beings,' Palagi said.

In addition, experts say this 'infectious mechanism ' is also found in many other animals, such as chimpanzees and baboons transmitted from each other, dogs and parrots are infected from the host . Because of the string reaction. The line of yawning depends on social relationships, scientists argue it is the product of others' empathy or ability to capture emotions. Therefore, this rule does not apply to those who do not have or have problems with social interaction such as babies and autistic children.

Reference: Livescience