Chimpanzees mimic the laughter of their playmates even if they do not find the situation as funny, according to scientists.

Research by Marina Davila-Ross, of the University of Portsmouth, has shown that the apes do not just ape the expressions of their social partners.

The psychologist said the chimpanzees appeared to use laughter to strengthen social bonds, just like humans. She said this showed that great apes had a more complex social use of expressions than previously thought.

Dr Davila-Ross said: “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.”

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