The Science of Kissing audiobook cover - What Our Lips Are Telling Us

The Science of Kissing

What Our Lips Are Telling Us

Sheril Kirshenbaum

4.2 / 5(307 ratings)
Start ListeningDownloadQR code that opens AudiobookHub on the App StoreTry free on iPhoneScan to start in 5 seconds

If You're Curious About These Questions...

You should listen to this audiobook

Listen to The Science of Kissing — Free Audiobook

Loading player...

Key Takeaways from The Science of Kissing

Learning Tools

Reinforce what you learned from The Science of Kissing

Mind Map

The Science of Kissing
Biological & Evolutionary Roots+
Social & Historical Functions+
Subconscious Mate Selection+
Brain Chemistry & Health+
Reproduction & Sexual Dynamics+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 6
According to the text, what ancient biological practice helped humans associate positive feelings of security and love with mouth-to-mouth contact?
  • A. Vocal mimicry
  • B. Grooming rituals
  • C. Premastication
  • D. Foraging cooperation
Question 2 of 6
Why is the letter 'X' commonly used to symbolize a kiss in modern text messages and online chats?
  • A. In the Middle Ages, an 'X' was used to mark the spot on a contract that the parties were required to kiss.
  • B. It represents the physical crossing of two pairs of lips during a kiss.
  • C. It originated from ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs depicting two people embracing.
  • D. It was a secret code used by the Catholic Church to bypass strict moral bans on kissing.
Question 3 of 6
How does kissing help humans subconsciously test their compatibility with a potential mate?
  • A. It measures the exact amount of oxytocin produced by the partner's saliva.
  • B. It allows individuals to detect partners who have highly similar immune systems to their own.
  • C. It evaluates the partner's testosterone levels to determine their long-term commitment.
  • D. It helps individuals sense if a partner has a divergent set of MHC genes, which leads to healthier offspring.
Question 4 of 6
Which of the following accurately describes the chemical changes that occur in the brain and body during kissing?
  • A. It releases dopamine for a short-term euphoric high and oxytocin to strengthen long-term emotional bonds.
  • B. It increases cortisol levels to heighten alertness and decreases serotonin to induce relaxation.
  • C. It decreases adrenaline to calm the nervous system and spikes testosterone equally in both sexes.
  • D. It mimics the effects of depressant drugs by exclusively releasing high amounts of serotonin.
Question 5 of 6
According to some scientists, why do men tend to prefer kisses involving more tongue contact?
  • A. It serves as a subconscious test to evaluate the female partner's MHC genes more effectively.
  • B. It transfers testosterone to the woman, potentially increasing her sex drive and the likelihood of having sex.
  • C. It triggers a significantly higher release of oxytocin in men compared to closed-mouth kissing.
  • D. It stimulates the release of cortisol, which biologically increases male stamina.
Question 6 of 6
What does the historical failure of attempts to ban kissing—such as during the Great Plague or by the Catholic Church—demonstrate?
  • A. That religious institutions eventually recognized the medical health benefits of kissing.
  • B. That laws regulating personal relationships are impossible to enforce without modern surveillance.
  • C. That kissing is a deeply ingrained biological and evolutionary behavior that cannot be easily suppressed.
  • D. That humans will naturally rebel against authority figures out of spite.

The Science of Kissing — Full Chapter Overview

The Science of Kissing Summary & Overview

Kissing: it’s a normal part of life. But few people understand its true significance. The Science of Kissing (2011) explains why kissing is so rooted in both human and animal biology, what happens physiologically when we do it and why it’s a lot more important than you may realize.

Who Should Listen to The Science of Kissing?

  • Anyone who enjoys a passionate kiss
  • Students of biology, sociology or history

About the Author: Sheril Kirshenbaum

Sheril Kirshenbaum is a marine biologist, writer, public speaker and research scientist. She contributes to NPR’s Science Friday and Scientific American, and was featured in The Best American Science Writing 2010.

🎧
Listen in the AppOffline playback & background play
Get App