Chimpanzees have been around for millions of years but the name chimpanzee originated sometime in the 1700’s. This name is loosely translated as “ape” or “mockman”. Chimpanzees are categorized in the family homindae, which is also home to humans, gorillas, and orangutans. It is believed that chimpanzees spilt from humans about 4 million years ago but remain our closest relative.
Sometime around the 1950’s scientists learned that by comparing the proteins and nucleic acids of two “different” species they would be able to see just how similar or different they really are (the genetic distance). Scientists have been successful in comparing chimpanzees to humans and have discovered the difference between the two is too small to measure. Similarities between chimpanzees and humans are seen in their blood proteins among other aspects of our DNA. Mary Clare- King and A.C. Wilson have suggested the small differences that are seen between humans and chimpanzees are a result of regulatory mutation. Through numerous comparisons, scientists have been able to find the comparison level between chimpanzees and humans is about 99% identical. This percent fluctuates between 96-99% between different articles, either way; the resemblance between the two is large. An article found on the National Geographic website states humans and chimpanzees share a common ancestor who lived over 5 million years ago.
The taxonomy of chimpanzees is as follows:
Suborder: Haplorrhini
Infraorder: Simiiformes
Superfamily: Hominoidea
Family: Hominidae (humans are here)
Genus: Pan
Species: P. troglodytes
Subspecies: P. t. schweinfurthii, P. t. troglodytes, P. t. vellerosus, P. t. verus
Infraorder: Simiiformes
Superfamily: Hominoidea
Family: Hominidae (humans are here)
Genus: Pan
Species: P. troglodytes
Subspecies: P. t. schweinfurthii, P. t. troglodytes, P. t. vellerosus, P. t. verus
Both human and chimpanzee fossils have been found in the East African Rift Valley during the Middle
Pleistocene from many years ago. Research has been successful in showing the large similarities between chimpanzees and humans.Chimpanzees are closely related to humans and bonobos. Many other species from the genus Pan have not survived.
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It's so weird to think that we are 99% similar to chimpanzees and we are so closely related to them, even in the same family! I just went to the Zoo last week and was studying them, they really do have so many similar characteristics as we do, even some of the same mannerisms.
ReplyDeleteThis really shows how powerful the smallest bit of DNA can be. Obviously we are very similar to chimps, but there are some significant differences in that 1% that you wouldn't expect to be accounted for in such a small amount of genetic change.
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