Laughter shared by humans and great apes may date back 15 million years

Laughter shared by humans and great apes may date back 15 million years, according to a new study published on July 5, 2026, in the journal Communications Biology. Researchers tickled 13 captive apes, including gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, and bonobos, to gather data on their laughter patterns.

Evolutionary Ties in Laughter Patterns

The study reveals that the giggles of humans and great apes follow similar rhythms, indicating a shared evolutionary heritage. Study author Chiara De Gregorio, a primatologist at the University of Warwick, stated, "In a way, we are very similar to other great apes because we've been laughing in a similar way for 15 million years." This connection highlights the unifying thread between species that diverged on the evolutionary tree.

Researchers analyzed decades-old recordings of ape laughter alongside newly captured giggles from four young children during playtime. The results suggested that laughter serves as a form of communication that conveys playful feelings without the need for words.

Distinct Characteristics of Human Laughter

While many animals can laugh, their sounds often differ significantly from human laughter. For instance, when tickled, rats produce ultrasonic squeaks rather than laughter. This study emphasizes that human laughter has evolved to be more complex and context-dependent, varying from polite chuckles to hearty guffaws.

De Gregorio remarked, "We are like the masters of laughter, I would say," underscoring the sophisticated nature of human laughter. As social creatures, humans have developed laughter styles that reflect their diverse social interactions.

Future Research Directions

Experts believe that understanding laughter's evolution could shed light on broader aspects of animal communication and human uniqueness. Brittany Florkiewicz, an animal communication researcher at Lyon College, expressed interest in comparing laughter sounds from various animals, such as dogs and horses, to further explore these connections.

• Study published in Communications Biology
• Involves 13 captive apes and 4 children
• Research highlights evolutionary connections

By studying laughter, scientists aim to trace the origins of human communication, revealing insights into how laughter has shaped our social interactions over millennia.