Humans & Chimpanzees
Primates with a lot in common
Physical
- share approximately 96–98 % of our DNA
- have large, complex brains
- lose our baby teeth at age 6 and have 32 teeth as adults
- have opposable thumbs that allow us to grasp objects
- see colors and have a binocular stereoscopic vision for depth perception
- have monthly reproductive cycles and 8 to 9-month pregnancies
- typically give birth to a single child and occasionally twins
- are usually active during the day and sleep at night (diurnal)
- eat a varied diet including fruits, greens, meat, seeds, eggs, roots, and honey
Emotional
- show affection by kissing and embracing
- experience depression and stress
- grieve over separation from or death of a loved one
- can be compassionate and altruistic
- express excitement by hooting, hollering, and hugging
- experience fear, anxiety, loneliness, and boredom
- have a wide variety of individual personalities
- shout, stomp, and have tantrums when angry
- can be jealous, frustrated, or aggressive when our goals are thwarted
- clown around and enjoy the antics of others
- laugh and smile when we are happy or playful
- cry when we are sad, upset, afraid, or hurt
- can display devotion, loyalty, and deep attachment to others
- are ticklish
Social and family
- share strong, often lifetime bonds, and live in societies of family and friends
- greet one another with hugs, hand-holding, facial expressions, and vocalizations
- have complex interactions, exhibiting everything from cooperation to deception
- often reconcile and make up after conflicts
- console and comfort each other by embracing, patting, and kissing
- show physical care and affection to each other through grooming
- have intricate courtships with the opposite sex
- show respect for our elders and give them status and influence
- can be competitive and territorial
- form political alliances by following a leader who recruits support
- engage in wars over territory and power
Early development
- are almost completely dependent on our mothers until age 5
- need affectionate physical contact for healthy development, beginning with our strong bond with our mothers
- use play during childhood to learn adult behaviors and burn off energy
- continue to enjoy play as adults
- learn our parents’ skills through observation and practice
- allow trusted others to provide childcare for mothers who need help
- are protective and tolerant with our young, family, and friends
Intellectual and cognitive
- are self-aware and like to see our own reflection
- make and use tools
- pass down cultural traditions or skills from generation to generation
- are capable of abstract thinking and problem solving
- use herbs and plants as medicines, knowing which to use for various ailments
- enjoy the comfort of cozy beds/nests
- have an excellent memory and recognize others who we have not seen for years
- are capable of seeing things from someone else’s perspective
- communicate through facial expressions, vocalizations, body language, and gestures