Have you ever wondered why humans kiss – and when we actually started doing it? In this episode of the podcast, Toshi is joined by evolutionary biologist Dr. Matilda Brindle to explore the evolutionary history of kissing.
Dr. Brindle breaks down her Ig Nobel Prize-winning research redefining what a "kiss" actually is, how far back the behaviour goes in our primate family tree, and why species from polar bears to bonobos engage in lip-locking. Together, they dive into fascinating hypotheses about why kissing evolved in the first place – from conflict resolution, to partner choice, to a potential subconscious test for genetic and immune compatibility. Plus, hear what studying saliva-swapping between early humans and Neanderthals tells us about our shared past.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
00:57 – Why Study the Evolution of Kissing?
02:54 – What Actually Counts as a Kiss?
08:15 – Kissing: A 21-Million-Year-Old Tradition
12:30 – How Scientists Track Ancient Behaviours
15:40 – Evolution, Arousal, and Compatibility: Why We Kiss
22:20 – Why Romantic Kissing Isn't as Universal as You Think
28:15 – The Hidden Gap in Animal Sex Research
30:02 – Reconsidering Neanderthals
32:36 – What’s Next: Dr. Brindle’s Upcoming Book Wild Thing
Find more of Dr. Brindle here: https://www.matildabrindle.com/
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