Why We Yawn; Effects of Birth Order | Robert Sapolsky Father-Offspring Interviews
Summary
Robert Sapolsky debunks the myth that birth order strongly shapes personality, noting that while it correlates with minor IQ differences and sexual orientation, its impact is largely idiosyncratic and context-dependent. He then explores the science of yawning, discussing its mechanics, thermoregulatory functions, and the role of contagious yawning in empathy and social bonding. The episode concludes with a humorous review of a fringe paper arguing that yawning has hidden sexual significance.
Topics discussed
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Introduction: The popular myth of birth order
Birth order and IQ: The dilution model
Birth order and sexual orientation
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Birth order and the Big 5 personality traits
Frank Sulloway's 'Born to Rebel' and scientific revolutions
Criticism of Sulloway's work and statistical issues
Idiosyncratic effects: SES and family dynamics
Dynamic variables: Wealth and religiosity changes
Summary of birth order findings
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Introduction to yawning: Mechanics and species
Theories on why we yawn: CO2, oxygen, thermoregulation
Contagious yawning and empathy
Neuroscience of yawning: Mirror neurons and autism
The hidden sexuality of the yawn: Art and culture
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