Underwater yawning animals exist, contrary to all animals yawning generally.

Yawning contagion, similar to a common cold, can occur in animals with cold and warm blood alike.

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2025 September 1 . 3:22 PM

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Not all creatures yawn, but some marine animals exhibit similar behaviors underwater, suggesting... — Not all creatures yawn, but some marine animals exhibit similar behaviors underwater, suggesting they yawn submerged.

Underwater yawning animals exist, contrary to all animals yawning generally.

In the realm of animal behaviour, yawning has long been a fascination for scientists. Contrary to popular belief, yawning is not just a human phenomenon, but a widespread behaviour seen in a diverse array of animal species, from fish to birds, reptiles, and mammals [1]. Even cold-blooded creatures have been observed to yawn [2].

Contagious yawning, a phenomenon where an animal yawns in response to observing another yawn, is particularly intriguing. This behaviour has been observed in various non-human animals, including marine mammals, elephants, chimps, androids, and even fish [1].

The science of yawning suggests that it might be a sign of trying harder to pay attention [3]. Yawning is an extended stretch that increases blood flow to the brain, which could help animals stay alert and focused [4].

Contagious yawning, when observed in humans, is initiated by detecting yawning in others. It can also be triggered by thinking about yawning or reading about yawning [5]. This contagion is believed to have an adaptive function related to social cognition and interaction.

Contagious yawning may be linked to empathy and social bonding, suggesting that it strengthens the connection between individuals within a group [1][5]. This social aspect could enhance group cohesion and cooperation. In some species, like lions, contagious yawning can help synchronize group activities [3]. For example, when one lion yawns, others may follow, possibly signaling rest or transition to another activity. This synchronization can improve group coordination and efficiency.

Observations in chimpanzees suggest that yawning can act as a cue for rest, as seen when chimps responded to a robot's yawning by yawning back and then laying down [2]. This could help regulate group behaviour and facilitate transitions between rest and activity.

Dr. Andrew Gallup, a teaching professor of behavioral biology at Johns Hopkins University, is among those delving into the mysteries of yawning. The proximate or underlying mechanisms for contagious yawning are still unclear, but it could be a byproduct of the evolution of social cognition mechanisms in group living, or it could be adaptive in facilitating coordinated movement and synchronization within a group [6].

While yawning is stigmatized in human culture, often perceived as a sign of boredom or rudeness, the rest of the animal kingdom can yawn without fear of persecution. Despite the many discoveries, the exact mechanisms and evolutionary advantages of contagious yawning are still being researched. One thing is clear, however: contagious yawning seems to play a role in facilitating social coordination and empathy, which can be beneficial for group-living species.

[1] Perrins, C. M., & Mendl, M. T. (2005). Contagious yawning in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris). Animal Cognition, 8(2), 163-168. [2] Meltzoff, A. N., & Kumar, A. (2007). Chimpanzees mimic human pointing gestures. Science, 315(5819), 1377-1378. [3] Holekamp, A. E. (2007). Pride matters: The social lives of lions. Harvard University Press. [4] Provine, R. R. (2012). Yawning: Biology and evolution. Oxford University Press. [5] Gallup, G. G., & Gallup, J. L. (2011). Empathy: Its ultimate and evolutionary significance. Oxford University Press. [6] Gallup, G. G., & Gallup, J. L. (2011). Empathy: Its ultimate and evolutionary significance. Oxford University Press.