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First kiss dates back 21 million years, say scientists
- On Nov. 19, a study led by University of Oxford and Florida Institute of Technology researchers published in Evolution and Human Behavior showed kissing stretches back roughly 21 million years.
- To answer why kissing exists, researchers led by Dr Matilda Brindle defined it as non‑aggressive mouth‑to‑mouth contact without food transfer and reviewed primate literature spanning species from Africa, Europe and Asia.
- Mapping traits across the primate family tree, the team used Bayesian statistical methods and a phylogenetic model, running ten million simulations for robust evolutionary estimates.
- The findings imply Neanderthals and modern humans probably kissed, supported by shared oral microbes and interbreeding evidence, while lip-touching appears inherited from large apes but absent in macaques and baboons.
- Only about 46 percent of cultures engage in kissing, highlighting its variability; the study provides a foundation for future research into origins like grooming and pre-chewing/food sharing.
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A new study led by Oxford University (UK) has found evidence that the kiss evolved into the common ancestor of humans and other great apes...
·Madrid, Spain
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Monkey business: Neanderthals and ancient apes likely kissed too
London (AFP) -- Scientists have found evidence suggesting that kissing dates back up to 21 million years and that our ape ancestors and Neanderthals likely locked lips, research published Wednesday said.
·Toronto, Canada
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources66
Leaning Left13Leaning Right7Center15Last UpdatedBias Distribution43% Center
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources are Center
43% Center
L 37%
C 43%
R 20%
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