10 Intriguing Reasons Why Yawning Is So Contagious (Backed by Science)

4. Evolutionary Perspectives

From an evolutionary standpoint, contagious yawning may have developed as a survival mechanism. In ancient times, synchronized yawning could have served as a signal for group vigilance, alerting members to potential threats or changes in the environment. This collective alertness would have been advantageous for early humans and other social animals, enhancing their chances of survival. The evolutionary perspective suggests that contagious yawning is an adaptive behavior that has persisted because it contributes to the overall fitness of social groups.