The ancient origins of kissing - What in the World

What this episode covers

Scientists at Oxford University in the UK now think that kissing evolved more than 21 million years ago, and it wasn’t humans that started it.As a behaviour, it has no obvious survival or reproductive benefits but it’s seen across the world, in humans and animals alike.Victoria Gill, our Science Correspondent, tells us all about the research and what we know about if animals can be romantic like humans can.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of What in the World?

This episode is 11 minutes long.

When was this What in the World episode published?

This episode was published on November 21, 2025.

What is this episode about?

Scientists at Oxford University in the UK now think that kissing evolved more than 21 million years ago, and it wasn’t humans that started it.As a behaviour, it has no obvious survival or reproductive benefits but it’s seen across the world, in...

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