Did Ancient Humans Learn Kissing From Neanderthals 50,000 Years Ago? New Study Reveals Surprising Evidence

New Delhi: According to recent research, early humans did not originally know how to express affection through kissing. Experts believe this behaviour emerged around 50,000 years ago. A new study suggests ancient humans began kissing after witnessing it among Neanderthals. This indicates that physical affection may have been learned, not naturally developed. Earlier humans likely communicated love and care differently before adopting this gesture.

What Role Did Neanderthals Play?

Reports state that Neanderthals, who lived in Europe and parts of Asia from 400,000 to 40,000 years ago, may have practised forms of kissing. Researchers suggest that Homo sapiens observed these interactions and gradually started copying them. Over time, this habit became part of human emotional expression. The study proposes that the behaviour spread within groups and later turned into a social and intimate practice.

How Was This Scientific Evidence Found?

Researchers from Oxford University and the Florida Institute of Technology analysed biological and behavioural data to trace kissing patterns. They compared genetic findings and behavioural models. Their conclusions suggest that emotional closeness and physical gestures were influenced through genetic mixing and coexistence. Although physical proof cannot be directly traced through fossils, cultural transfer between species remains a strong possibility.

Do Humans Still Carry Neanderthal Traits?

Previous studies confirmed that modern humans carry a small percentage of Neanderthal DNA. This proves that interbreeding took place long ago. However, scientists are uncertain whether kissing was part of early human sexual behaviour or general care expression. Some experts argue the act may have developed more fully much later through cultural evolution.

Is Kissing Universal Among Human Cultures?

Study author Professor Katherine Talbot notes that romantic kissing is found in only about 46% of human cultures. This highlights that the act is not fully natural or globally practised. In various societies, emotional bonding happens through different gestures such as hugging, touching hands or sharing food. This has led experts to question whether kissing is a biological instinct or a cultural invention.

Why Is Kissing Called An Evolutionary Puzzle?

Researchers categorise kissing as an evolutionary puzzle due to its high risk of disease transmission and limited biological advantage. Although it appears romantic and emotionally meaningful today, there is no clear reproductive benefit. Some anthropologists believe it developed slowly through social learning rather than biological need. The practice likely evolved as human relationships became more complex.

What Do Primates Reveal About This Behaviour?

For further insight, scientists studied present-day primates such as chimpanzees, bonobos and orangutans. These species have been observed exchanging mouth contact as part of bonding and emotional support. This similarity supports the theory that human kissing may have evolved by observing nature. However, direct connection to modern human romantic kissing is still under investigation.