How Genetically Similar Are Humans To Chimpanzees?

Humans are not just genetically similar to one another; we are 99.9% alike to one another. Still, did you know that humans also share genetically similar DNA to other species? 

It would be logical to think you have nothing in common with a banana or a fruit fly, but actually, humans are 60-61% genetically similar to each of those.

Next time you eat a banana, remember that. It doesn’t end there: when compared to cows, humans are 80% similar, and to cats, we are 90% genetically similar.

Yet, what is the animal humans compare most closely to? You may have guessed it - the chimpanzee.

In fact, the genetic similarity between a human and a chimpanzee is believed to be over 98%. Chimpanzees are human’s closest relatives, but what does that mean? Keep reading to learn what DNA we share with chimpanzees, what makes us different, and why that matters.

What We Share In Common

Humans and chimps are incredibly similar species. In fact, the two originated from the same single ancestor that lived approximately six to seven million years ago. Given both humans and chimpanzees continued to evolve from this single ancestor, the DNA that was passed to each subsequent generation changed as well. These divergences led to differing appearances and behaviors.

Here are some interesting points to keep in mind:

• When the bands on chromosomes in human and chimpanzee DNA are compared, they are almost identical
• The X chromosomes in both humans and chimps contain about 1,100 different genes
• Fun fact: Humans and chimps have the OPN1LW gene that allows them to be able to see the color red, unlike many other species

It probably does not come as a total surprise to learn that humans and chimpanzees are so genetically similar.

Humans have been fascinated by chimps for many years, and efforts to communicate, learn, and study them have enriched what we know about our relationship to the primate world.

What Makes Us Different

If humans are so genetically similar to chimpanzees, then how can we look and behave so differently? To get the answer, we need to take a closer look at human cells. 

Every single human cell contains about three billion pieces of information, also known as base pairs. 1.2% of that number amounts to around 35 million differences.

Some of these divergences will have a significant impact and result in noticeable differences. Others are only subtle and minor. 

DNA functions in an interesting manner. Even if two pieces of identical DNA are studied, they can be influenced or ‘turned on’ in varying amounts, at different times, or in different places.

So, while we share a lot of similarities with chimps, the actual DNA function can be quite different for each species. 

Genetic differences between humans and chimps can be seen in the following:

• Appearance
• Behavior
• Development 
• Health (while both can get similar diseases like AIDs, chimps are immune to others like malaria). 

Before you get too worried that you are a little too uncomfortably similar to a monkey, rest assured - DNA is complicated, and the minute differences make a major impact.

Think of the differences in how the DNA functions in humans and chimps like turning the dial of radio up and down. These differences in functions result in a large gap between the chimp and the human world.

Why Does It Matter

The more we understand the similarities and differences between humans and chimpanzees, the more we can learn about ourselves and the world we live in. 

The study of DNA is incredibly essential to fields like health research and science, as professionals race to understand how genes affect our immune system, predisposition to diseases, and more.

By studying the small differences between humans and chimps, we can learn more about the causation of diseases and how to treat them. 

We can also learn the following:

• The role of evolution and how it functions
• How similar sets of DNA function and what turns particular genes ‘on’ and ‘off’
• How genes affect us - from blood clotting to red color vision, there is always something to learn 

As scientists continue to evaluate the genetic similarities between chimps and humans, they are uncovering valuable information that is helping us understand the connection better. 

Conclusion

Humans are most genetically similar to chimpanzees. If you have ever seen a chimp, then you know there are some startling similarities in behavior, look, and function.

Then again, humans are not exactly hanging from trees or covered in fur. 

When scientists study the genetic differences, they learn more about how genes function down to the smallest detail.

This sheds light on everything from differences in appearance to behavior to important health information.