Apes Playing Tricks Prove Humor Is Universal
catch someone’s attention: to do something to makes someone notice or look at you
Did you know that apes can be playful, just like humans? Researchers have found that orangutans, chimpanzees, bonobos, and gorillas enjoy teasing each other. This kind of behavior is something they share with us!
Teasing is a way of playing that does not need words. Human babies start doing it before they can talk, and now we see apes do it, too. Scientists watched videos of apes and noticed how they joke with each other. They use playful gestures like poking or waving objects to catch each other’s attention. They wait for their friends to respond, showing they are playing a game.
Understanding how apes play offers a window into our own past. It helps us see how humor and social interaction evolved in humans.
Watch the videos below to learn more.
Sample sentences
1. She waved her hands to catch her friend’s attention across the noisy room.
2. To catch the teacher’s attention, he raised his hand high in the air.
3. A flash of lightning caught everyone’s attention before the thunder rolled in.
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Do Apes Have Humor? Turns Out They Love To Tease