Psychology

Experimental evidence for yawn contagion in orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus)

E. V. Berlo, A. P. Díaz-loyo, et al.

This fascinating study by Evy van Berlo and colleagues explores contagious yawning in orangutans, revealing that these primates yawn in response to videos of their peers. Interestingly, they do not respond to avatars. These findings could hint at the presence of contagious yawning in the ancestors of humans and great apes, but more research is needed!

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Abstract

This study experimentally investigated contagious yawning (CY) in orangutans, a species known for its relatively solitary lifestyle. Researchers presented eight orangutans with videos of conspecifics yawning and control videos. Results indicated that orangutans were more likely to yawn in response to yawn videos compared to control videos, regardless of familiarity with the yawning individual. However, they did not yawn contagiously in response to an avatar. This suggests CY might be present in the last common ancestor of humans and great apes but requires further research.

Publisher

Scientific Reports

Published On

Dec 17, 2020

Authors

Evy van Berlo, Alejandra P. Díaz-Loyo, Oscar E. Juárez-Mora, Mariska E. Kret, Jorg J. M. Massen