What makes them contageous?
2007-03-06 13:34:32 · 3 answers · asked by Poster 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
Actually chimps do exactly the same thing as humans: they are significantly more likely to yawn when they see another chimp yawning. Contagious yawning in chimps was the subject of a recent interesting scientific study.
The researchers who carried out this study believe that contagious yawning is the result of empathy and self-awareness, both of which require a sophisticated intellect. Confirming this need for higher social development before contagious yawning happens - both humans under the age of 5 and infant chimps do NOT contagiously yawn.
Fascinating stuff. Doesn't quite explain why we yawn in the first place. However, another interesting finding is that although many mammals yawn - ONLY carnivores (everyone's seen pictures of lions doing this) but NO herbivores yawn.
Lots of research to do, I guess - although I suspect that's not very high priority for research funding agencies!
2007-03-10 10:54:04 · answer #1 · answered by the last ninja 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because you think that person is interesting.
Next time, when someone yawns say to yourself "They are not interesting" and you won't yawn.
Also, you can hold your tongue firmly to the roof of your mouth.
Aren't old wives tales fabulous!!!
2007-03-06 14:50:25 · answer #2 · answered by MissUnderstood 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it is your body trying to inhale its self. mmmmmmmm a breath of fresh air with a hint of me
2007-03-06 14:52:26 · answer #3 · answered by i like cheese 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋