As hominins began to diverge from their great ape relatives around 2 to 4 million years ago, the simple vocalizations of their ancestors evolved into more sophisticated forms of communication. Among these was “human-like laughter,” characterized by its rhythmic structure, emotional depth, and social significance. Unlike the breathy panting of earlier primates, human laughter developed into a more rhythmic and controlled sound, often associated with exhalation—an auditory signal that could be used in a wider range of social contexts.