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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Science
Ian Sample Science editor

Origins of masturbation traced back to primates 40m years ago

Matilda Brindle
A group of bonobos at San Diego zoo in California
Bonobos at San Diego zoo in California. The UCL scientists said masturbation was common across primates of all sexes and ages. Photograph: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance/Reuters

Evolutionary biologists have traced the origins of masturbation to ancient primates that predate the first humans by tens of millions of years.

The findings emerged from what scientists believe is the largest dataset ever compiled on the activity, and confirm that humans arose on a branch of the tree of life replete with self-pleasuring predecessors.

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