Yawning is contagious not just in humans, but also in dogs, chimpanzees, and even some species of birds, though scientists still do not fully understand why.

A closer look

Yawning is contagious not just in humans, but also in dogs, chimpanzees, and even some species of birds, though scientists still do not fully understand why. The prevailing theory suggests it is an involuntary display of empathy and social bonding, hardwired into our brains by mirror neurons that compel us to mimic the behavior of those around us. This means that when your dog yawns immediately after you do, it is technically an expression of inter-species solidarity. It also means that you can completely derail a serious corporate board meeting simply by opening your mouth really wide and letting the primal, unavoidable chain reaction of empathetic exhaustion tear through the room!