Laughter evolved as a social bonding mechanism among primates
Current evolutionary and comparative primatological research supports the claim that laughter evolved as a social bonding mechanism, serving to maintain group cohesion as ancestral primate and hominin social groups expanded beyond the limits of physical grooming.
The claim is specific, empirical, and falsifiable, passing STEP 0. Multiple retrieved papers explicitly discuss how laughter and playful vocalizations in primates share evolutionary roots and serve as social bonding mechanisms that stimulate endorphins and facilitate group cohesion. The evidence heavily supports the claim without major contradictions.
Dunbar RI. Bridging the bonding gap: the transition from primates to humans.. 2012. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2011.0217
Argues that laughter evolved as an early evolutionary innovation to bridge the social bonding gap in hominins.
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Marina Davila-Ross, E. Palagi. Laughter, play faces and mimicry in animals: evolution and social functions. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2021.0177
Examines homologous playful expressions and laughter in primates to demonstrate shared ancestry and social bonding functions.
R. Dunbar. Laughter and its role in the evolution of human social bonding. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2021.0176
Suggests hominins co-opted laughter as a form of chorusing to replace social grooming as group sizes increased.
Dunbar RIM. The origins and function of musical performance.. 2023. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1257390
Classifies laughter alongside music and storytelling as an adjunct of the primate social bonding mechanism.
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