What in the World - The ancient origins of kissing

Download The ancient origins of kissing

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.

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Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Emily Horler and Benita Barden
Editor: Verity Wilde

Published on Friday, 21st November 2025.

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