Oxford University study links pet affection to primate evolution

Researchers at the University of Oxford published a study in the journal Primates that examined 427 documented social interactions involving 88 primate species and 127 other animal species. The analysis found that primates initiated contact in 66 % of cases, with 33 % of interactions being reciprocal and less than 1 % initiated by the other species.

The authors argue that these inter‑species behaviours—such as play, curiosity and mutual grooming—reflect an evolutionary basis for the human tendency to form affectionate bonds with animals. Cyril C. Grueter of Oxford’s School of Anthropology and Ethnography said the findings “could represent some of the evolutionary pillars from which the companionship between humans and animals arose,” highlighting a deep biological heritage for pet ownership that predates modern domestication.