Scientists have long known that humans share a remarkable amount of DNA with chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans. But according to a new study, we may have something else in common that many people never think about.
Our laughter.
Researchers who analyzed recordings of humans and several species of great apes say the sounds we make when we’re having fun are far more similar than most people realize. The findings suggest that laughter may have evolved millions of years before modern humans ever appeared.
The team examined the vocalizations of chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, orangutans, and people during playful interactions such as tickling, roughhousing, and games. While each species has its own distinctive voice, researchers found surprisingly similar rhythms and breathing patterns behind the laughter.
Chimpanzees and bonobos often produce a rapid series of breathy “panting” sounds while playing. Gorillas and orangutans have their own versions as well, and scientists believe these vocalizations serve much the same purpose as human laughter: letting everyone know that the activity is friendly and not a real fight.
In other words, laughing may have started as nature’s way of saying, “Relax… we’re just playing.”
Researchers say the similarities support the idea that the roots of laughter go back at least 10 to 15 million years to a common ancestor shared by humans and the great apes.
The findings also reinforce something many zookeepers and primatologists have observed for years.
Young apes love to play.
They chase one another, wrestle, tickle, tease, and occasionally behave in ways that look remarkably familiar to anyone who has watched a group of children on a playground.
Of course, scientists were quick to point out that ape laughter doesn’t sound exactly like human laughter. You’re probably not going to hear a gorilla delivering a perfect “Ha! Ha! Ha!” after hearing a good joke.
Instead, the sounds are rougher, breathier, and more rhythmic. But when analyzed closely, they share many of the same characteristics that humans use when expressing joy during play.
The research is another reminder that people are not as separate from the rest of the animal kingdom as we sometimes imagine.
Our closest relatives don’t just look a little like us.
They communicate, form friendships, comfort one another, mourn lost family members, solve problems, and—apparently—share a good laugh from time to time.
So the next time you hear someone say, “Quit monkeying around,” you might remember that goofing off and laughing with friends is a tradition that’s been in the family for millions of years.
What do you think?
Have you ever seen a chimpanzee or gorilla that looked like it was laughing? Or do you think scientists sometimes read too much into animal behavior? Tell us in the comments.