Contagious Yawning in Chimpanzees
Submitted on Dec 04, 2009 (Original item from 2004)
General Animal Protection | Wildlife and Exotics | Animal Advocacy | International Research | Wildlife
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Short Description:
According to a study of chimpanzees who were shown videos of other chimpanzees yawning, researchers determined that the resulting yawns were similar to the contagious yawning in humans, which researchers associate with empathy.
Abstract:
Based on the observation of 6 female chimpanzees who were shown videos of other chimpanzees yawning, two exhibited significantly higher frequencies of yawning in response to the videos. This response is only slightly lower than that observed in humans. The presence of contagious yawning in chimpanzees is thought to be evidence of advanced self-awareness and empathetic abilities.
Spot Check Number:
1233
Sponsor:
University of Stirling, University of Shiga Prefecture, Primate Research Institute
Animal Type:
Primates
Record Type:
Academic Paper, Journal Article, Research Study
Research Method:
Experimental/Modeling/Applications
Geographic Region:
International
Number of Participants:
6
Population Descriptors:
Chimpanzees
Year Conducted:
2004
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