Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: Lewis Thomson on 25/02/2022 13:31:13

Title: Why did humans evolve to laugh?
Post by: Lewis Thomson on 25/02/2022 13:31:13

Donald has been interested in finding the answer to this question.

"What evolutionary use is laughter? Mice, chimps and some other mammals have a laughter equivalent from being tickled. Dolphins and whales do not."

What do you think? Discuss in the comments below...

Title: Re: Why did humans evolve to laugh?
Post by: evan_au on 26/02/2022 00:05:34

It is a useful signal when rough-housing to say "I am not trying to hurt you".
...but its little consolation if a gang is trying to harm you!

Title: Re: Why did humans evolve to laugh?
Post by: Petrochemicals on 26/02/2022 13:04:14

Quote from: Lewis Thomson on 25/02/2022 13:31:13

Dolphins and whales do not."[/i]

I believe dolphins do laugh, Whales may laugh, we do not know enough. Laughter is a sign of higher intelligence, what constitutes laughter is not defined.