Chimpanzees and bonobos use physical touch, including embraces, hand-holding and other affectionate gestures, to reduce social tension and promote peaceful interactions during competition for food, according to a new study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
According to the report, researchers believe these behaviors offer insights into the evolutionary origins of human social bonding.
Researchers recorded a range of reassuring behaviors, including frequent finger-in-mouth contact among male chimpanzees, particularly between closely bonded individuals.
The report said apes that engaged in more physical contact were able to share food more peacefully and experienced fewer signs of social conflict.
The findings suggest that touch plays a vital role in strengthening relationships and easing stress within groups.
Researchers believe these behaviors date back at least six million years, indicating that physical affection may have been an important tool in the evolution of cooperation among early human ancestors.
Future studies will examine whether such interactions also reduce stress hormone levels.
Related Tweet:
Chimpanzees and bonobos appear to use physical touch to ease social tensions and keep conflict at bay.https://t.co/fTrMVX1Sy9
— Science News (@ScienceNews) July 23, 2026
Also Read:
TIPP Staff
