Laughter is often considered a behavior unique to humans, while other species express joy in different ways. However, recent scientific research reveals the opposite: animals can also laugh.
Through previously published studies on animal behavior, scientists from California (USA) discovered that various species, including cows, dogs, foxes, seals, hyenas, and meerkats, can produce sounds similar to laughter to express emotions and warn rivals.
Humans are not the only ones who can laugh. According to a study by American scientists, at least 65 animal species can “laugh” in their own unique ways – (Photo: SHUTTERSTOCK).
The study’s authors, anthropologist Sasha Winkler and Professor Greg Bryant, stated that the team collected sound recordings of various animal species and analyzed information regarding the volume intensity, duration, pitch, and rhythmic quality of the sounds.
However, there is a significant difference between human laughter and that of animals. Typically, when humans laugh, they convey information to others that they are happy and invite others to join in the fun.
Some scholars previously suggested that this sound-producing behavior occurs in many animal species during play. Yet, anthropologist Sasha Winkler and Professor Greg Bryant found that “laughter” varies significantly among different animal species. Not all animals laugh when they are happy.
For instance, hyenas often emit laughter-like sounds when they feel threatened, are attacked, or simply when they are feeling down. Older hyenas tend to “laugh” at a lower pitch, while younger ones produce laughter that is more varied and at a higher pitch.
The research team believes that in-depth studies on sound production in nature will be very beneficial. This will help us better understand the morphology, function of laughter in humans, and its role in the evolution of social behavior.
