Why do gorillas hate smiling?

Why Do Gorillas Hate Smiling?

Smiling is a universal human emotion, and it is often used as a form of communication and social interaction. However, in the primate world, especially among gorillas, smiling may have a different connotation. Research has shown that gorillas and chimps tend to avoid smiling when interacting with humans, and even appear to fear it. But why do gorillas hate smiling?

It’s Not Just About Happiness

While smiling is often associated with happiness, in the primate world, it is a sign of submission, weakness, and even threat. In gorillas, showing one’s teeth or lips, which is equivalent to smiling in humans, is a signal to predators that they are vulnerable and cannot defend themselves. This is why gorillas often keep their mouths closed or hold their lips shut when interacting with humans. According to gorilla handler Sharon Redrobe, "They’ll say, ‘who are you, what on Earth are you doing, you’re wrong, there’s something wrong with you,’ and kill him," when humans smile or show their teeth.

Fear Grin or Fear Face?

Researchers have found that the expression that we often call a smile in chimpanzees is actually a fear grimace. This face is characterized by the lips being pulled back to reveal the teeth, which is the same facial expression that humans exhibit when we are in fear or stress. Chimps make this expression when they are startled, threatened, or experience social tension. This is likely because the lip-retraction facial muscle is similar to the muscle that controls fear responses in the face.

Apes’ Limited Facial Mobility

One major reason why gorillas and chimps might find smiling uncomfortable is limited facial mobility. Our facial muscles are capable of forming a wide range of expressions, including subtle and complex smiles. In contrast, great apes have a more restricted facial structure, making it difficult for them to express more complex emotions like happiness through their faces.

Gorilla Smiles: A Threat

Gorillas, particularly the dominant ones, tend to associate smiling with submission or surrender. When a gorilla exposes its teeth, it is often interpreted as a threat. This is because the dominant males will display their teeth to threaten their opponents, just like a canid does when growling or baring its teeth. Therefore, exposing one’s teeth is considered a provocative or aggressive behavior among gorillas.

The Bottom Line: It’s Not About Being Happy or Unhappy

So, what does it mean when we ask if gorillas hate smiling? In reality, gorillas do not experience emotions like humans do. Their facial expressions, including their apparent dislike for smiling, are primarily driven by situational responses and not by emotions. When we as humans observe a gorilla avoiding smiles or appearing to fear it, it’s important to recognize that this reaction is a response to our attempts to understand and communicate with them.

Takeaways

In summary:

• Gorillas may associate smiling with submission or weakness due to their limited facial mobility and potential association with predators in their natural habitat.
• The facial expressions that we interpret as smiling in chimps may be actually a fear grimace, a universal signal of stress or fear in non-human primates.
• When a gorilla appears to hate smiling, it is not necessarily about experiencing happiness or unhappiness, but rather an expression of their natural responses to situations.
• By understanding and recognizing the contextual nature of gorillas’ facial expressions, we can better navigate and appreciate our interactions with these incredible primates.