Chimpanzees are great apes found across central and West Africa. Along with bonobos, they are our closest living relatives, sharing 98.7 percent of our genetic blueprint. Humans and chimps are also thought to share a common ancestor who lived some seven to 13 million years ago.
Human being, a culture-bearing primate classified in the genus Homo, especially the species H. sapiens. Human beings are anatomically similar and related to the great apes but are distinguished by a more highly developed brain and a resultant capacity for articulate speech and abstract reasoning.
Both human and chimpanzees are primates- primates are mammals with advanced cognitive development and abilities, grasping hands and feet and forward – facing eyes, along with other characteristics.
Chimpanzees share about 98.7 of human DNA. They both play, have complex emotions and intelligence and a very similar physical makeup.
Chimpanzees laugh when tickled and like wise human beings.
Chimpanzees play, socialize and develop a strong infant – mother bond.
Though the human brain is larger, it is structurally identical to chimpanzees. This means that chimpanzees are capable of reasoned thought, abstraction and generalization. They can even recognize themselves in a mirror—most other animals cannot!
Both human and chimpanzees have slightly similar body- same bones, muscles, nervous system and the same number of fingers and toes.
Chimpanzees are capable of using tools like stones, sticks among other. They use such tools in their daily activities like digging termites from the ground, root food staffs like cassava, sweet potatoes.
Humans and chimpanzees share with their members. Chimpanzees in the wild and those in sanctuaries are seen sharing food staffs.
Chimpanzees are capable of hunting which is done seasonally. Just like human being hunt for meat and done in groups.
Chimpanzees and human beings use body language to communicate. They can kiss, hug, part each other on the back, hold hands and shake their fists.
Both demonstrates arrange of emotions including joy, sadness, fear and empathy among others.
Would you like to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat? Why not plan a safari in Uganda and get upclose and personal with these amazing cousins of ours! You can easily see these great apes and learn about their lifestyle in several destinations in Uganda which include Kibale Forest, Kalinzu Forest, Budongo Forest, the Kyambura Gorge, Ngamba Island Sanctuary and more.