• gelada
• lateralization
• multimodality
• yawn contagion

The thesis investigates yawning contagion (YC) and multimodality in a captive gelada population at NaturZoo in Rheine, Germany. Geladas, known for their complex social structure and communication, provide an ideal model species due to their extensive yawning behaviors. With a larger sample size of 103 individuals compared to previous studies, the research aims to confirm YC, explore gender differences, and examine the influence of social bonds on YC frequency. Additionally, it delves into the role of multimodality in YC, investigating whether vocalized yawning enhances contagion and whether yawning serves a communicative function. The study also explores lateralization in YC processing. Data collected over two months in 2023 include video recordings and behavioral observations, analyzed using statistical models. This research promises to deepen our understanding of YC and social dynamics in gelada populations.