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Neanderthals Kissed: Study Reveals Ancient Romance
19 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Kissing likely evolved in ape ancestors over 16 million years ago.
- Neanderthals and early modern humans likely shared saliva through kissing.
- Kissing may have played roles in mate selection and bonding.
Researchers from the University of Oxford have proposed that Neanderthals engaged in kissing, possibly even with early modern humans. This theory is supported by evidence of shared mouth microbes between the species, suggesting saliva exchange.
The study defines kissing as directed mouth-to-mouth contact in friendly interactions, excluding food transfer or "kiss-fighting." This broader definition helps understand the behavior's prevalence across species, suggesting its evolutionary origins date back over 21 million years in ape ancestors.
This ancient practice may have served evolutionary functions, aiding in mate selection and reinforcing social bonds. The findings offer a romantic perspective on human-Neanderthal relations, highlighting the deep evolutionary roots of this intimate behavior.
