Get a load of this: Humans and great apes share similar giggles

A recent study suggests that humans and great apes have shared a similar way of giggling since diverging from a common ancestor millions of years ago. Researchers tickled 13 captive apes, including gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, and bonobos, and compared their laughter to that of young children. The findings reveal that both humans and great apes have laughter with similar rhythms, indicating a deep evolutionary connection. While human laughter has evolved to be faster and more complex, reflecting different social contexts, the study highlights the importance of understanding laughter’s origins to gain insights into human communication and evolution. The research encourages further exploration of laughter in other animals to better understand what makes humans unique and what we share with other species. QUESTION: How might understanding the similarities in laughter between humans and great apes change the way we view our connection to other animals?