Infographic explains a theory on the origins of the human kiss

Here is an infographic prepared by me which explains the origins of human kissing as per a theory proposed by Adriano Lameira (and team), an evolutionary psychologist at the University of Warwick in the UK. What all kisses have in common Lameiro concluded was a “protruding of the lips and slight suction”. He then checked whether similar actions were seen in our evolutionary cousins, the great apes.

My research indicates that today, lemurs are more likely to use the lips to groom each other. Apes tend to use hands and also less commonly the lips. Although puckered lips are used to solicit grooming. There is a link there, I’d argue.

The infographic

Video of lemurs grooming


Apes generally use their hands to groom each other, rather than their mouths. Grooming is an important social activity for apes, particularly for species like chimpanzees, bonobos, and gorillas. It serves both hygienic purposes, such as removing parasites, dirt, and dead skin, as well as a social bonding function. Grooming with hands allows them to carefully part hair and pluck out parasites or dirt from the fur of others.

Occasionally, they may use their mouths to nibble or bite off something specific, like a stubborn tick, but this is much less common. Most grooming is done with their fingers, which are dexterous and well-suited for this fine motor task.

Some primates, like lemurs, may use their teeth or mouths more extensively for grooming. Yes, lemurs and other strepsirrhines have more ancient evolutionary origins than apes and other haplorhines. In fact, strepsirrhines (including lemurs) are considered to be more “primitive” or “basal” primates, meaning they retain traits from early primate ancestors, and they diverged earlier in primate evolutionary history.

Why do apes pucker their lips?

Note: this section comes from me and not the study. Apes pucker their lips for several reasons, many of which are linked to communication and social interactions. Lip-puckering in apes serves as an expressive behaviour that can convey a range of emotional states and social intentions. Here are some of the primary reasons apes pucker their lips:

1. Affiliation and Bonding:

  • Friendly gestures: In species like chimpanzees and bonobos, lip-puckering is often a friendly, non-threatening gesture that fosters social bonds. It may be used during grooming or while approaching another individual, signaling peaceful intentions.
  • Appeasement or submission: Apes sometimes use puckered lips to communicate appeasement, showing that they do not pose a threat. This can be observed when a lower-ranking individual approaches a more dominant one.

2. Soliciting Grooming:

  • Apes may pucker their lips to solicit grooming from another individual. This is often seen when one ape presents a body part and puckers its lips, encouraging a grooming partner to begin.

3. Sexual or Mating Signals:

  • In some species, lip-puckering is used during courtship or mating displays. For example, bonobos may use a puckered lip expression in sexual contexts, which can be part of their complex social behaviors that involve physical closeness and bonding.

4. Communication with Infants:

  • Lip-puckering is also seen in interactions between mothers and infants. This behavior can help maintain closeness, signal care, or encourage bonding. Sometimes, adult apes may pucker their lips to soothe or calm a distressed infant.

5. Vocalization and Facial Expressions:

  • In some cases, puckering the lips can be part of the ape’s facial expression while producing certain vocalizations, such as hooting or grunting. The facial movements, including lip-puckering, help shape the sounds they produce, aiding in communication with other group members.

6. Playfulness and Curiosity:

  • Apes sometimes pucker their lips in playful situations, especially when engaging in physical activities with one another. This expression can be associated with curiosity or exploration during these interactions.

7. Facial Mimicry:

  • Apes are known to mimic each other’s facial expressions, including lip-puckering, as part of their rich social interactions. They may do this to reinforce bonds or to understand the emotions of others.

In summary, lip-puckering in apes is a multi-functional behaviour that plays a key role in their social lives, helping them communicate friendliness, appeasement, bonding, and various emotional states.

The cat-human connection!

We all know that millions of cat caregivers, including myself, love to kiss our cat companions, usually on the top of the head. An act of deep affection for our little humans who we respect as cats.

Origins of the human kiss
Origins of the human kiss

Leave a Comment

follow it link and logo