The most scientifically backed theory as to why we yawn is brain temperature regulation. If the brain’s temperature has increased too much, inhaling air can cool it down. (hearingsol.com)
We aren’t the only ones who yawn. Birds do it as well.
Today, at Lambton woods, we saw a sleeping Great Blue Heron awaken and produce a terrific yawn.
Other birds:
Area scenes:
Some botany:
Today’s group:
NATURE POETRY
That time of year thou mayst in me behold
When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang
Upon those boughs which shake against the cold,
Bare ruined choirs, where late the sweet birds sang.
– William Shakespeare (1564-1616) Sonnet 73
Miles Hearn
Miles: I read your interesting comment about yawning being related to the brain temperature regulation . A question that I’d had for a long time is: why yawning is so “contagious” among people-when one person yawns other person (s) near them either yawn or feel like yawning. Sometimes just the mention of the word yawn makes people yawn. I find this phenomenon very curious and intriguing . Have you heard any explanation for this?