A new theory has just been put forward, and it could make another person with a weaker nervous system squeal in displeasure. No one knows where or when the kissing took place. Research is made difficult by the fact that it is not a universal expression of feelings, so it is tied to certain cultures rather than being an instinctive act. On the other hand, kissing is not a human-only behavior. Other primates, such as chimpanzees, also do this. The unusual manifestations have led primate researcher and evolutionary psychologist Adrian Lameira from the University of Warwick to theorize that primates used their lips for hygiene in the beginning. In other words, dead skin flakes and parasites were removed from the skin with kiss-like actions. Both for yourself and close pack members.
Over time, human-like beings came up with more effective means of maintaining hygiene, but touching with the lips as an expression of care has remained, reports the magazine Evolutionary Anthropology.
Source: www.diena.lv
