When was the first kiss? Over 17 million years ago, a study suggests.

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🗞️ Driving the news: A new study suggests that the first kiss may have occurred over 16.9 million years ago, long before humans existed
• The research links the behavior to an ancient evolutionary trait shared by humans and other primates
• Despite its long history, the exact reasons for kissing remain a mystery to evolutionary biologists

🔭 The context: The study, led by Matilda Brindle at Oxford University, used a phylogenetic analysis to trace kissing’s evolutionary roots across primates, finding that kissing likely originated with a common ancestor of large apes
•  It also suggests that Neanderthals, as our closest cousins, most likely practiced kissing as well

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: While the study’s primary focus is on human evolution, understanding the behaviors that shape social interactions in primates can offer insights into cooperation and societal structures
• These insights can indirectly inform how humans approach collective challenges like climate change, where social bonds and collaboration are essential to addressing global issues

⏭️ What’s next: Further research is needed to explore how kissing evolved across different species and what role it plays in social bonding or reproductive success
• Meanwhile, scientists are refining the definition of kissing to understand its true evolutionary purpose

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