Contagious Yawning and Its Effects

The video explores yawning across species, highlighting its various purposes in animals and humans. While animals yawn for reasons like mating or anger, humans yawn possibly to cool the brain, not to increase oxygen intake as previously thought. Yawning increases heart rate and blood flow, aiding in brain cooling. Contagious yawning, linked to empathy, starts in children around ages 4-5. Mirror neurons, which activate when observing actions, play a role in contagious yawning, suggesting a social and empathetic function.

Which animal uses yawning as a mating ritual?

• Snakes

• Penguins

• Guinea pigs

• Humans

At what stage do babies start yawning?

• After birth

• First trimester

• Second trimester

• Third trimester

What was the traditional belief about the purpose of yawning in adults?

• To realign the jaw

• To increase empathy

• To draw more oxygen into the lungs

• To cool the brain

What physiological changes occur during yawning to help cool the brain?

• Increased blood flow

• Decreased heart rate

• Lowered body temperature

• Reduced muscle activity

What external factor can reduce the frequency of yawning?

• Warm air

• Cold air

• Bright light

• Loud noise

What is a known cause of increased brain temperature?

• Hunger

• Exhaustion

• Hydration

• Exercise

At what age does contagious yawning typically begin in children?

• 2 to 3 years

• 4 to 5 years

• 6 to 7 years

• 8 to 9 years

What is contagious yawning most likely linked to?

• Hunger

• Empathy

• Thirst

• Fear

Which group of people is less likely to yawn contagiously?

• Children with autism

• Adults with high empathy

• Teenagers

• Elderly people

What role do mirror neurons play in contagious yawning?

• They help in digestion

• They decrease brain temperature

• They activate when we see someone yawn

• They increase oxygen intake