Naked Science Forum

General Science => General Science => Topic started by: neilep on 19/01/2008 23:49:04

Title: Are We (Humans)The Only Ones Capable Of Smiling ?
Post by: neilep on 19/01/2008 23:49:04
Not too sure if this belongs in physiology or zoology so I opted for General Science instead !

Hi all,

It's great to see these smiles yes ?

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Do they make ewe smile ?....




I was wondering if there is any categorical proof out there that demonstrates that we are (or are not) the only species that smiles !

I asked Gerald Gallop Grungey the horse and this was his response !!

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I'm not sure !!...Did I miss his point ?!!










Title: Are We (Humans)The Only Ones Capable Of Smiling ?
Post by: Karen W. on 19/01/2008 23:54:54
Ottis always smiled..(dog) When you would drive into the driveway he would run up and greet you with this huge toofy smile and wiggle and wag and show you how happy he was to see you!
Title: Are We (Humans)The Only Ones Capable Of Smiling ?
Post by: i am bored on 20/01/2008 04:09:13
my dog smiles.......after it bites me.... i think it likes the taste of blood
Title: Are We (Humans)The Only Ones Capable Of Smiling ?
Post by: another_someone on 20/01/2008 05:25:47
A smile is a particular form of non-verbal communication, and different species use different signals for non-verbal communication (clearly, you would not expect a parrot to do much smiling with its rigid beak, but dolphins are said to have an almost fixed smile, but that probably does not count since it is not a form of non-verbal communication - I believe that cats may regard a toothy smile as a threat signal, but not sure about that).
Title: Are We (Humans)The Only Ones Capable Of Smiling ?
Post by: Karen W. on 20/01/2008 06:29:32
A smile is a particular form of non-verbal communication, and different species use different signals for non-verbal communication (clearly, you would not expect a parrot to do much smiling with its rigid beak, but dolphins are said to have an almost fixed smile, but that probably does not count since it is not a form of non-verbal communication - I believe that cats may regard a toothy smile as a threat signal, but not sure about that).

Yeah.. LOL The cats probably wood.. considering the majority don't get along with dogs.

I must say that our dogs have always been pretty good with the cats and even slept with them on many occasions. Dogs can be quite compatible and protective of their cat friends...
Title: Are We (Humans)The Only Ones Capable Of Smiling ?
Post by: rosalind dna on 20/01/2008 13:06:29
My cats smile and I don't have any photos of them like that yet.
But they purr, mieow and are generally content, which is why most cats
do smile.
(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.tinypic.com%2F11j4181.jpg&hash=2d7eefdb4fe69dd491dd864a7b657551)

A google pic.
Title: Are We (Humans)The Only Ones Capable Of Smiling ?
Post by: neilep on 20/01/2008 13:44:49
Ottis always smiled..(dog) When you would drive into the driveway he would run up and greet you with this huge toofy smile and wiggle and wag and show you how happy he was to see you!

Thank Ewe Karen,

Are ewe sure Otis was smiling ?...perhaps he was showing his teeth because he thought ewe had a treat for him ?

Though, the wagging tail suggests a happy mood so , this is usually the best time to investigate smiling dogs !!
Title: Are We (Humans)The Only Ones Capable Of Smiling ?
Post by: neilep on 20/01/2008 13:46:17
my dog smiles.......after it bites me.... i think it likes the taste of blood


Thank Ewe I Am Bored,

Next time hang garlic around your neck and see if doggy still takes chomp !! [;)]
Title: Are We (Humans)The Only Ones Capable Of Smiling ?
Post by: neilep on 20/01/2008 13:50:15
A smile is a particular form of non-verbal communication, and different species use different signals for non-verbal communication (clearly, you would not expect a parrot to do much smiling with its rigid beak, but dolphins are said to have an almost fixed smile, but that probably does not count since it is not a form of non-verbal communication - I believe that cats may regard a toothy smile as a threat signal, but not sure about that).

Thank Ewe George

By the way George...how did ewe get on with your recent encounter with a cat! ?

Try smiling at a cat see what happens......Actually, one of the best ways that usually guarantees a response from a cat (setting aside stepping on it's tail [:)] )...is to look at a cat face on and slowly close blink both eyes.........you most certainly should get the same in response !!
Title: Are We (Humans)The Only Ones Capable Of Smiling ?
Post by: neilep on 20/01/2008 13:51:51
My cats smile and I don't have any photos of them like that yet.
But they purr, mieow and are generally content, which is why most cats
do smile.
(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.tinypic.com%2F11j4181.jpg&hash=2d7eefdb4fe69dd491dd864a7b657551)

A google pic.


Thank Ewe Rosalind DNA....I luff smiling cats.....and that photo is a prime example of a cat in contented bliss.

Did ewe know that cats also purr when in discomfort ?
Title: Are We (Humans)The Only Ones Capable Of Smiling ?
Post by: opus on 20/01/2008 23:25:29
Cats even purr when they're dying, so it's not just a sign of contentment- unless they know something about the other side that we don't!
Title: Are We (Humans)The Only Ones Capable Of Smiling ?
Post by: Simulated on 21/01/2008 00:10:24
Yeahh my dogs smile everyonce in awhile. Its purdy funny lol
Title: Are We (Humans)The Only Ones Capable Of Smiling ?
Post by: rosalind dna on 21/01/2008 01:05:26
These cats of mine, Marmalade and she's a mum is a sleeping contented purring cat now
as I type and when I took the photos. But then her son Mischief is the same and even
more so after they've been fed or just generally because I give them loads of TLC !!

yes cats can and do purr in pain or so I have been told but more likely "cry"

Marmalade                                           
(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi30.tinypic.com%2Ffopt9j.jpg&hash=4b115b699ade8959f371667c9a1db533)



Mischief
 (https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi25.tinypic.com%2F13z8prr.jpg&hash=7a68a5a5ed1fd0dee43f1452336beaac)
Title: Are We (Humans)The Only Ones Capable Of Smiling ?
Post by: Simulated on 21/01/2008 01:25:47
Aww purdy lol.
Title: Are We (Humans)The Only Ones Capable Of Smiling ?
Post by: Simulated on 21/01/2008 12:31:05
Found it!

Robots Smile to Neil!

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edge-online.co.uk%2Farchives%2Fterminator-thumb.jpg&hash=1efa4263eb006fca7d9219f574fb9118)

Not for the same reason as us though. Because he about killed John Connor! Ahhhh OHHHH! lol
Title: Are We (Humans)The Only Ones Capable Of Smiling ?
Post by: rosalind dna on 21/01/2008 13:19:14
Aww purdy lol.

Actually they are a funny pair of loving cats. thanks, Simulated