Monkeying Around: Exploring the Jestful Nature of Human-Like Primates
New research has shown that some human-like primates have unique jokes. It has been observed that young mammals tease older ones. Scientists believe that “monkeying around” could help understand the evolution of humor among humans.
It has long been known that humor has a positive impact on human health. Laughter reduces stress and feelings of tension. When laughing, the body releases endorphins, commonly known as happiness hormones. They induce a sense of well-being, euphoric states, and even suppress pain perception.
Sense of humor among human-like primates
Jokes and jests also build bonds in society. Psychologists acknowledge this as a sort of “universal language” of our species. Sharing jokes can form new relationships and strengthen existing ones.
“Joking relies on complex cognitive abilities: understanding social norms, theory of mind, and anticipating others’ reactions. The characteristic teasing observed in pre-verbal children is associated with cognitive traits,” wrote the authors of a study published in the scientific journal “Proceedings of the Royal Society B.”
