The Hindu : Front Page : Animal yawn facts

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Thursday, Aug 07, 2008
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Animal yawn facts

Ian Sample

London: Humans may not be the only ones to find yawning contagious. According to new research, a yawn is likely to set off pets as well as those around you. Psychologists found that dogs were far more likely to break into a yawn if they witnessed humans simulating the action.

The finding is the first evidence to suggest animals other than primates may be susceptible to catching yawns from others. Atsushi Senju, who led the study at Birkbeck, University of London, said dogs’ ability to catch yawns suggests they may be better at empathising with humans than previously thought.

Yawns improve blood flow in the brain and boost alertness, but why they should be contagious is less well understood. Some scientists argue that the ability to catch yawns arose in early humans because it helped to keep tiring groups alert, or signalled when it was time to rest.

A previous study by Senju found people with autism do not find yawning contagious, while other researchers have shown that those who do tend to score more highly in social awareness tests. In new research, Senju’s team recruited 29 pet owners and their dogs. — © Guardian Newspapers Limited, 2008

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