“Just Like Us”: The Similarities Between Chimpanzees and Humans

According to the American Museum of Natural History, scientific research has found that humans and chimpanzees share 98.8% of the same DNA. Believe it or not, we humans originate from the same species as our primate friends who existed 7 million years ago! This explains why we share many common physical and mental abilities with chimpanzees.

Playing

Everyone needs leisure time to enjoy themselves. Whether it be playing sports or swinging from a tree, both humans and chimps spend time playing collaborative games. These activities develop our social relationships and cooperative attitudes. Like humans, chimpanzees’ game types and playmates change as they age; just as we grow out of “kiddie” games, chimpanzees’ preferences mature as well. Much like humans, chimps become more competitive as they get older.

Smiling and Laughing

Imagine going to a comedy show with a chimpanzee. Chances are, you would both mirror each other’s actions while laughing at the same jokes. Both humans and chimps can silently smile and laugh out loud. Scientific evidence suggests that facial expressions in chimps existed way before humans evolved. Although it was originally thought to exclusive to humans, chimpanzees can also express positive emotions. Maybe our ape amigos should be considered “man’s best friend” instead of dogs.

Forming Friendships

Speaking of friends, chimpanzees can form friendships. According to a study performed by Filippo Aureli, chimps live among friends who help each other in times of conflict and console each other in times of stress. Like humans, chimps befriend those who share similar personality traits and share food together.

Taking Pleasure in Food and Drink

Who doesn’t love a good meal and refreshing drink? Us humans are not the only ones who enjoy stuffing our faces; chimps love to as well. According to Harvard University scientists, both species travel distances to obtain ingredients to prepare a meal. Just as we go to supermarkets, chimpanzees collect food to assemble a feast. Research shows that like humans, chimps prefer cooked food over raw food; they also understand the transformation process of cooking. Although they don’t have the ability to control fire, experiments have proven they can use a heated pot or pan to cook. 

Chimpanzee Trekking. Photo Credit: Tad Bradley

Awareness of Thinking Abilities

One of the most striking similarities between humans and chimpanzees is their metacognition, or their ability to reflect on one’s own thoughts and mental processes. According the science journal, Cognition, both species are cognizant of the knowledge they possess and don’t possess; this allows them to make smart decisions. 

A Strong Moral Sense

Humans are not the only ones with a moral conscious, research has proven chimpanzees can distinguish behavior that is right from wrong. A University of Zurich study reveals that chimps angrily react to scenes of a baby chimp being harmed or killed by its own kind. This suggests chimps have a strong moral conscious like humans.

Just Like Us

The common DNA, we share with chimpanzees, accounts for many of our similarities. Whether it be playing, laughing or bonding, we are more alike than we think. So, the next time you enjoy a meal with friends remember chimps may be doing the same! Just don’t act like an animal!