Use this excerpt from the "Why are yawns contagious? We asked a scientist" article to answer the question.

Based on the information in the article, make a logical inference about why yawns are contagious. In 3–5 sentences, provide specific evidence from the text to support your inference and explain why your reasoning is logical and valid.

1 answer

Yawns are likely contagious due to their role in social bonding and communication among individuals. The article suggests that yawning may be an evolutionary trait that fosters group cohesion, as yawning when others do can signal a shared state of alertness or relaxation within a social group. Additionally, the mention of mirror neurons in the brain implies that observing another person yawn triggers a similar response in a bystander. This reinforces the idea that yawning is not solely a physiological response but also a way for individuals to connect and sync with one another, thereby making the inference logical and valid based on the evidence provided in the text.