What is animal laughter? Is it similar to that of a human? Do the emotions that elicit laughter from humans also apply to other animals? Can all animals laugh or only a select few species?
Animal laughter is a peculiar topic. Many humans think that our species is special. While that is certainly true, it is speculated that laughter evolved prior to the origin of humans. That speaks to just how natural laughter is; if animals around the world share it with us.
Animals have been found to have animal behaviour that resembles human laughter. Animals that demonstrate vocalizations similar to human laughter include; non-human primates such as chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans; rats; dogs; and, obviously, humans.
Animals have been found to have animal behaviour that resembles human laughter. Animals that demonstrate vocalizations similar to human laughter include; non-human primates such as chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans; rats; dogs; and, obviously, humans.
Laughter in animals other than humans is commonly a response to physical contact, such as wrestling, play chasing, or tickling. Humans and other mammals share similar ticklish areas on the body such as the armpits and belly.
A dog's laugh sounds like a pant. A sonograph can be used to analyze the varying bursts of frequencies that come with the pant, resulting in laughter. It is found that dog-laugh vocalization, when recorded and played to dogs in a shelter setting, can increase tail wagging, promote social behavior, initiate play, and decrease stress levels. Sound similar? Besides the tail wagging part, these same things can be, and usually are, brought out by human laughter.
Rat laughter, different than that of a dog's, cannot be heard by humans without special equipment. During rough play and when being tickled, rats emit high frequency, ultrasonic vocalization. The laugh is described as distinct "chirping". Like humans, rats have ticklish skin and certain areas of the body that generate more laughter response than others. A rat's laughter is associated with positive emotional feelings. It has been indicated that rats can indeed laugh and express joy.
Chimpanzees generate alternating inhalations and exhalations that sound like breathing and panting, but is actually laughter. It sounds similar to screeching. This response from non-human primates is elicited from physical contact, such as rough play or tickling. The difference between chimpanzee and human laughter may be the result of adaptations that have evolved to enable human speech. Still, chimpanzees have been reported to express joy just like humans do.
Research has noted the similarity in forms of laughter among humans and non-human primates when being tickled. Humans and these primates share similar ticklish areas and also similar facial expressions that are associated with joy.
Contrary to what many humans believe, we are similar in many ways to other animals. We all have laughter. We can all express joy. After all, without laughter, how else could happiness be expressed? The two coexist, depend on each other. Like how we depend on the sun for life, humor depends on laughter to survive.
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