Humans and apes laugh alike, sharing a 15-million-year-old evolutionary trait

Humans and apes share a fundamental laughter pattern, a trait that evolved 15 million years ago from a common ancestor, according to new research. Scientists from the University of Warwick in the UK analyzed tickling sessions with orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, and bonobos, comparing their vocalizations to those of four children. The study, published in Communications Biology, found that all subjects laughed with the same rhythmic intervals.

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The similarity shows that humans and apes have inherited an ancient language structure from a common ancestor.

This similarity suggests that the same brain structures are responsible for laughter across these primate species. "The similarity shows that humans and apes have inherited an ancient language structure from a common ancestor," explained Peter Gärdenfors, professor emeritus of cognitive science at Lund University. He noted that laughter's selection through evolution indicates its vital social role for primates.

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Many animal species laugh, but the laughter of apes most resembles that of humans. It suggests that the same brain structures are behind laughter.

However, distinct differences exist. Apes tend to laugh more spontaneously during play, using it to signal enjoyment and encourage continued interaction. Humans, on the other hand, can laugh in calculated, mocking, or manipulative ways. "Humans can control their vocal cords better than apes, which is necessary for developing language," Gärdenfors stated, highlighting human control over laughter as a building block for speech.

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The point of laughter is to say: 'This is fun, let's continue.'

Despite these differences, primates sometimes share laughter triggers. Chimpanzees, for instance, laugh when someone falls, much like humans enjoy slapstick comedy. This shared amusement indicates a commonality in their sense of humor, even across species separated by millions of years of evolution.

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Humans can control their vocal cords better than apes, which is necessary for developing language.