[Animals] How Animals Have 'Friendships' Surprisingly Like Humans

[ぁ Ꭷbito-]

The inclination toward those who are similar to us, something scientists call homophily, is not unique to humans. August 17, 2023
When you think about friendship, what comes to mind? A telephone conversation that lasts late into the night? Watch a movie and share a pizza? Enjoy a few laughs with a beer?

Friendship is a central part of the human experience. Our stories, our songs and our conversations are fabrics woven with threads of friendship.

In scientific terms, two people are considered friends if they consistently prefer each other over other people.

However, humans aren't the only ones who form friendships. When you think about your own friends, you may realize that they are very similar in one way or another.

Maybe you grew up in the same city and went to school together, share hobbies, or have similar jobs.

This penchant for similarity, or what scientists call “homophily,” is not unique to humans. This preference is believed to increase a friend's predictability and trust. Monkeys, zebras, marmots, elephants, and whales show a preference for interacting with peers in an age group close to them.

Chimpanzees and Siamese macaques like to hang out with partners who have a similar personality (yes, animals have personalities too) and dolphins prefer other dolphins who find their food in a similar way.

One of the most established homophilic tendencies is the affinity for others who share the same genes. That is, the preference for family. Throughout the animal kingdom, species show a predilection for interacting with relatives. Both animals and humans make friends because they are essential for survival.

When we consider the importance of touch in relationships, we often think of romantic partners. But physical connection can be equally important to any type of relationship.

Our animal counterparts show us how important physical contact can be.

Rooks gently groom their friends with their beaks, while monkeys groom their friends with their hands. These behaviors are not so different from what we humans have with our friends.

However, among some animals, friendship rituals can seem wild. White-faced capuchins greet their best friends by sticking their fingers in their eye sockets. And male Guinea baboons test their bonds by fondling each other's genitals.

 

https://www.bbc.com/mundo/articles/crgxlxe1gdno