Apes and Humans Share Ancient Laughter Secrets

A new study indicates that the characteristic rhythmic patterns of laughter are not exclusive to humans but are shared with other great apes, including chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos, and orangutans. Researchers analyzed laughter from young apes and human children during play and tickling.

During tickling, all species produced isochronous laughter, meaning vocalizations occurred at regular, evenly spaced intervals, similar to a metronome. This regularity was less apparent during play, likely due to disrupted breathing patterns.

While basic rhythmic properties are shared, human laughter is notably faster and more variable than that of other apes. Species more closely related to humans, like chimps and bonobos, exhibited faster laughter tempos than more distant relatives such as gorillas and orangutans.

Humans displayed the greatest variability, adjusting laughter speed based on context, laughing faster when tickled than during play. This extensive repertoire of laughter highlights significant vocal flexibility, a skill crucial for the development of spoken language and underscoring the unique evolution of human mirth.