Why do humans cross legs?

[Indian]

Is there any evolutionary reason?

Also, do any other animals sit cross-legged?

[CanvasShoes]

Of course silly....

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/ph...image/87365803

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nereis01/4452439548/

[Rachellelogram]

I cross one of mine under me when sitting down because it alleviates pressure on my tailbone. Otherwise, sitting is a heinous pain in the ass.

[shijinn]

i think cats sitting down with their legs folded under them is, though not exactly crossing their legs, equivalent to us sitting down and trying to be comfortable.

[Gary T]

Originally Posted by indian

Also, do any other animals sit cross-legged?

Sit? Heck, they even stand cross-legged!

[BigT]

Originally Posted by rachelellogram

I cross one of mine under me when sitting down because it alleviates pressure on my tailbone. Otherwise, sitting is a heinous pain in the ass.

While this would be a bit of an exaggeration for me, it is true that I often change how I sit in order to remain more comfortable, and crossing legs, especially at the knee, is one way to do this.

Also, ladies wearing dresses tend to cross legs as it makes them easier to hold together and not accidentally show something. Many ladies carry this pattern even when not wearing dresses, as it's become automatic.

[ThelmaLou]

My dog crosses her front paws when she's lying down (but upright). It's SOOO cute.

[Gagundathar]

Here is an article about the related question: "Why do humans cross their legs"
National Survey: Leg Crossing Is Taboo But Women Indulge Anyway.

The source is a bit chancy and the name of the author of the article seems a bit too absurd to be real (said the guy whose name is Gagundathar The Inexplicable). I mean, Creamer Dickson Basford? Really?