Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: JohnH on 21/02/2009 13:30:02

Title: Why is yawning contagious?
Post by: JohnH on 21/02/2009 13:30:02
JohnH asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Why is yawning contagious?   Is this a learned social behaviour or is it a hard-wired biological response?

Thanks!

John from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

What do you think?
Title: Why is yawning contagious?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 21/02/2009 23:21:52
Why do we Yawn? (http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/content/interviews/interview/749/)

Why are yawns so contagious even from a TV? A graphic designer from Ohio, I listen while at work and find yawns impossible to resist whilst watching them on television. (http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/content/questions/question/2067/)

I’ve got a five week old daughter who yawns. When she yawns he yawns as well. When he yawns she doesn’t yawn. Is the contagious yawning thing learnt or a cultural thing? (http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/content/questions/question/1875/)
Title: Why is yawning contagious?
Post by: JnA on 22/02/2009 04:42:01
I haven't read the links, so if I am repeating apologies.

There is a theory that copying a yawn is only done by empathetic people.