Great Apes kiss and cuddle to keep the peace, says study
Researchers at Durham University have observed that chimpanzees and bonobos use physical touch, such as kissing and embracing, to build trust and reduce stress before feeding. This behavior suggests that social bonding and reassurance are ancient evolutionary traits used to manage conflict.
Why it matters
Understanding these behaviors provides insight into the evolutionary origins of human social cooperation and conflict resolution.
Image source, Jake Brooker / Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust Image caption, Embrace between Little Jake and Little Joey, two juvenile male chimpanzees in a forested sanctuary
Touching, embracing and kissing before stressful events may be an ancient way of building trust, according to scientists studying the behaviour of our closest ape relatives.
Researchers at Durham University studied chimpanzees and bonobos using physical contact to reassure each other ahead of conflicts over food.
One of the most surprising findings was that chimpanzees, despite their reputation for aggression, engaged in close contact, including placing fingers in one another's mouths.
"Before stressful events, they come together, they reassure each other, they touch each other, they hug each other," said Prof Zanna Clay.
Figure caption, Watch: Bonobos and chimpanzees displaying reassuring physical touch behaviours such as embracing and kissing
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