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.

Answer 1

Based on the article's information, one logical inference about why yawns are contagious is that they may be linked to social bonding and empathy among individuals. The article suggests that when one person yawns, it can trigger a similar response in others, highlighting a form of nonverbal communication that fosters connection. For instance, the text mentions that this phenomenon is more prevalent among individuals who are closer, indicating that yawning may serve to synchronize behavioral states in social groups. This reasoning is valid because it connects the act of yawning to a broader social behavior, demonstrating that our responses to others can enhance group cohesion.