Joking around common among young chimps — and across ape family, study finds

Teasing Among Apes Could Help Explain The Evolution of The Joke

A boisterous young chimpanzee slaps an adult in his family on the back, then scampers away and looks back to see the response to his cheekiness.

Great apes are pranksters too

Like humans, great apes are ticklish, they laugh and play. And it has now been confirmed that they also tease each other. The study of interactions within groups of bonobos, chimpanzees, orangutans, and gorillas shows that some, especially the juveniles, pull the adults’ hair, tap them on the back and run away, or stand directly in front of an adult with their faces almost touching. For the authors of this new study, the fact that hominid specie…

Old joke: Apes exhibit teasing behaviour, suggesting an ancient trait

A lively young chimpanzee playfully slaps an adult family member on the back, then swiftly retreats, glancing back to gauge the reaction to his cheeky act. Not receiving an immediate response, the chimp, named Azibo, rolls back and delivers another slap, finally provoking a reaction. The distracted adult half-heartedly waves a hand in Azibo's direction, dismissing the mischievous youth, though not for long.

Joking around common among young chimps — and across ape family, study finds

Great apes have a penchant for joking and clowning around, according to a new study — a finding that sheds new light on the origins of human humor.  All species of great apes tease, tweak and occasionally torment their peers and older relatives — then stand back to watch the results, according to findings published on Tuesday in…

Wildlife: Apes playfully tease and prank each other - just like humans do

As well as body slamming, hair-pulling, hitting, and poking, other ways the animals were seen trying to get other animals' attention included tickling, stealing and getting in each other's personal space.

Landmark study of apes will tell us why humans make fun of each other

The researchers said their work could provide clues to as to how humour evolved in humans