Monday, June 8, 2009

The origins of laughter

When tickled, everyone laughs.  Those of us who know some animals quite intimately will agree that they do show signs exhibiting something similar to glee and joy.  Sometimes I could swear my dog is laughing. He's got a great sense of humor and enjoys playing tricks on me.

Scientists at the University of Portsmouth, England, are now shedding some light on the origins of laughter.  Marina Davila Ross, head of the research, recorded human baby laughs and analyzed them in comparison to sounds great apes make when they are tickled, thereby revealing the roots of laughter.

You can learn more about it, view and hear apes laughing at the links below.
"Apes Laugh, Tickle Study Finds" - national geographic news.

 
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