Why does seeing someone yawn make us yawn?

Have you ever wondered why seeing someone yawn also makes you yawn? According to researchers, it makes a difference if you think of yourself as similar to the person who started the yawning. Georgina and Rob discuss yawning and teach you related vocabulary.

This week's question
What biological function does yawning have?

a: To take in more oxygen

b: To get rid of carbon dioxide from our body

c: No one really knows

Listen to the programme to find out the answer.

Vocabulary
a yawn / to yawn
breathe in and out with our mouth stretched open

contagious
can be spread from one person to another

a behaviour
an action, often automatic, in response to a particular situation

cognitive
connected to mental processes and the way our minds work

to identify with (a group)
to feel close to and have a sense of belonging to (a group)

exhibit (a behaviour)
do, show (a behaviour)

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