Just like humans, chimps giggle even when the joke is not funny

Scientists have discovered that chimpanzees can share a joke just like any human and are also capable of sharing a laugh even when they don't find something particularly funny.

A study of wild chimpanzees has found that laughter occurs not just when chimps are having fun but also when they want to promote some kind of social bonding - much like human smiles help bonding in a conversation.

"Humans clearly use laughter as an important response in a wide range of social situations, but it is particularly interesting that chimpanzees seem to also use laughter to respond in such distinct ways," the Independent quoted Marina Davila-Ross of Portsmouth University, as saying.

"We found their responsive laughter shows a similarity to the conversational laughter of humans," added Davila-Ross.

The study examined laughter in 59 chimpanzees at Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage in Zambia.