Similarities amongst humans, chimpanzees and bonobos:
Human and chimp DNA is so similar because the two species are so closely related. Humans, chimps and bonobos descended from a single ancestor species that lived six or seven million years ago. As humans and chimps gradually evolved from a common ancestor, their DNA, passed from generation to generation, changed too. In fact, many of these DNA changes led to differences between human and chimp appearance and behavior.
A bonobo
A hairless chimpanzee:
- Similar physical make-up e.g muscle, bone and body structure, balding, greying and hair loss in old age.
- Similar gestation period- 8 months for bonobos and chimps, 9 months for humans. Typically, 1 child per pregnancy in all 3 species.
- Shared DNA- 98.7%
- Complex emotions such as empathy, kindness, altruism and compassion.
- Social creatures- tend to live in communities, engage in group activities.
- Complex social networks and behaviors- presence of status, mother bonobos will aid adult sons in conflicts and help them secure mates. Mother – son bond maintained throughout life.
- Complex sexual behaviors- Tongue-kissing, oral sex, face-to-face intercourse, sexual activity as a means of forming social bonds, conflict resolution, postconflict reconciliation, female on female genital rubbing etc.
- Sharing of food and commitment to cooperation. (bonobos and humans)
- Omnivores.
- General high level of intelligence- ability to use insects to treat their wounds and that of others, remember symbols, recognize numbers 1-9 and their values, exhibit self-awareness and recognition when looking at mirrors etc
- Ability to make, modify and use tools.
Human and chimp DNA is so similar because the two species are so closely related. Humans, chimps and bonobos descended from a single ancestor species that lived six or seven million years ago. As humans and chimps gradually evolved from a common ancestor, their DNA, passed from generation to generation, changed too. In fact, many of these DNA changes led to differences between human and chimp appearance and behavior.
A bonobo
A hairless chimpanzee:
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