Laughter in animals

High school (ages 12+)
Animals & Nature

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/laughter-in-animals

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the number of species documented?Over 60
2. What is the evolutionary significance?Suggests early emergence of positive affect vocalizations in mammalian evolution
3. What animals make sounds that sound like giggling?Many animals, over 60 species, make laughter‑like noises. Mammals such as rats, chimpanzees, and gorillas are common examples, and some birds and dolphins also make similar sounds.
4. Why do animals giggle during play?They giggle to show that play is friendly and to keep fights from getting serious. It helps friends stay close and keeps the group calm.

Phylogenetic Origins: The evolutionary history and relationships of a group of organisms.
Behavioral Ecology: The study of the evolutionary basis for animal behavior due to ecological pressures.
Convergent Evolution: The independent evolution of similar features in different species.
Bioacoustics: The study of the production and reception of sound in animals.