Great Apes kiss and cuddle to keep the peace, says study - BBC
A study of chimpanzees and bonobos reveals that these primates use physical contact like kissing and hugging to build trust and reduce tension before stressful events. Researchers suggest this behavior is an ancient evolutionary precursor to human social cooperation.
Why it matters
Understanding these behaviors provides insight into the evolutionary origins of social bonding and conflict resolution in primates and humans.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Helen Briggs Science correspondent Jake Brooker / Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust 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.
"It's like a 'we' rather than a 'me'," she said.
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