Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: Geezer on 20/04/2011 06:42:13

Title: Why are human farts noisy?
Post by: Geezer on 20/04/2011 06:42:13

I've noticed that dogs are quite capable of clearing a room in less than ten seconds, but they never provide an audible warning. This suggests that, thanks to natural selection, wolves evolved to be silent farters, presumably because it provides some evolutionary advantage.

However, for some reason, humans don't seem to have developed this capability. If fact, I'm wondering if there might be some obscure evolutionary advantage in being noisy, because there seem to be so many people that are. Does anyone know why this is?

More tea vicar? 

Title: Why are human farts noisy?
Post by: RD on 20/04/2011 11:48:23

IMO flatulent sounds are not going to be a "give away" problem for a hunting animal ...
Only hunt when hungry. When hungry GI tract (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GI_tract) is empty. When GI tract is empty no flatulence.

I can testify that some dogs do make fart noises: my family’s dog never failed to be startled when it audibly broke wind, suddenly looking towards its rear as if to say "what the hell was that"  [:)]

Title: Re: Why are human farts noisy?
Post by: majorminor on 02/04/2013 00:25:57

I was wondering why is farting so funny ( to some people) . I am not so childish about most things but when it comes to a fart noise it just makes me laugh . Fart in elevator, fart jokes, Robin Williams wife in good will hunting farting and waking herself up, the dudes dog farting and being confused about it... Its all funny to me, life wouldnt be worth it without laughing but think we would survive without farting. Anyways, I dont want to know why farting is funny to me, think it would kill the joke. Keep on farting brothers and sisters.

Title: Re: Why are human farts noisy?
Post by: JnA on 02/04/2013 00:34:56

My guess is that the gluteal muscles and their relative tautness (or lack thereof)  has something to do with the sound...

Title: Re: Why are human farts noisy?
Post by: Ethos_ on 02/04/2013 17:55:25

Quote from: Geezer on 20/04/2011 06:42:13

However, for some reason, humans don't seem to have developed this capability. If fact, I'm wondering if there might be some obscure evolutionary advantage in being noisy,

Does anyone know why this is?

It's a warning device instructing those nearby to pinch their noses and to clear the area.