Scientists are still on the track of why humans yawn, and to add further interest, there are now many studies on which animals yawn and why they do so. Anyone who has ever owned a fish, a reptile, a cat or a dog, or even a rat, a bat, or a ferret, may have noticed they also yawn. In fact, most animals yawn, but it’s probably not because they’re bored or sleepy.
Some interesting studies have been done on the reasons behind yawning. For instance, it’s thought that some primates, and possibly cats and dogs, may yawn as a sign of dominance. Observation of dog and primate behavior has shown that alpha males and alpha females tend to yawn more frequently than do their beta counterparts. This may actually be considered aggressive in certain species, since it is a chance to display lots of pointy teeth. People who wonder whether their dog or cat respects them might think about counting how often they yawn when in their presence. The owner may not be the alpha dog or cat if the animal yawns frequently.
Scientists have also suggested that certain animals open their mouths wide as a way to cool down. This may be particularly true when reptiles yawn. With most reptiles relying on ambient temperature to maintain their body temperature, yawning might be a means for promoting rapid cool down. This may also work for animals that don’t sweat, like pigs and dogs. Exposing the mouth and tonsils to the outside air may cool down the head, even if only slightly.
Researchers have also discovered that, when animals yawn, this may have a contagious effect on other animals of their species. Sharks have been described in this manner, especially when they travel in large groups. A single shark yawning can set off the reaction in the whole community, which can be pretty impressive, or slightly frightening to people close to a bunch of sharks with open mouths. Chimpanzees have been observed exercising contagious yawns too, but it’s still unclear why they do it, just as researchers are not entirely sure why humans are prone to yawn at the sight of other humans doing it.
Many insects do not yawn because their breathing mechanism is very different from that of other animals. Instead of having a central oxygen collection device — the lungs — most insects absorb oxygen from every cell in their body, which then is dissolved into fluid to carry to all the body’s tissues.
Typically, people will find that most animals yawn, and it's easy to find some pretty impressive photos online. It’s something that most members of the animal kingdom have in common, even if researchers can’t figure out exactly why they do it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all animals yawn, and if not, which ones are known to do so?
Not all animals yawn, but it is a behavior observed across many species. Mammals such as primates, lions, and domestic pets like cats and dogs are known to yawn. Certain birds, reptiles, and fish also display yawning behaviors. Yawning is less common in invertebrates, with few documented cases.
What is the purpose of yawning in animals?
Yawning serves multiple purposes in animals. It is often associated with transitions between states of alertness, such as waking up or preparing to sleep. According to research, yawning can also be a thermoregulatory mechanism, helping to cool the brain. Additionally, it may play a role in social communication and display of emotions among social species.
Is yawning contagious among animals as it is in humans?
Contagious yawning is a phenomenon observed in some animal species, similar to humans. Studies have shown that animals like chimpanzees and domestic dogs can catch yawns from their conspecifics and even from humans, suggesting a connection to empathy and social bonding. However, this behavior is not universal across all yawning species.
Can yawning be a sign of stress or illness in animals?
Yawning can indeed be an indicator of stress or illness in animals. Excessive yawning may be a sign of anxiety or discomfort in some situations. In other cases, it could be symptomatic of medical conditions affecting the respiratory system or brain. Observing the context and frequency of yawning is crucial for accurate interpretation.
How does the yawning of non-mammalian animals differ from that of mammals?
Non-mammalian yawning can differ in its appearance and triggers. For example, snakes may yawn to realign their jaws after a meal, while fish yawns are often associated with gill cleaning. The mechanics and social implications of yawning can vary significantly between mammals and other animal groups, reflecting their diverse lifestyles and physiological needs.
Are there any evolutionary theories about why yawning developed in animals?
Several evolutionary theories suggest yawning developed as a means of communication, to signal tiredness or changes in alertness within a group. Another theory posits that yawning evolved as a brain-cooling mechanism, as supported by studies indicating that yawns are more likely when the ambient temperature is close to body temperature, but not when it's hot or cold.
