Question

Human and chimp DNA is so similar because the two species are so closely related. Humans, chimps and bonobos descended from a single ancestor species that lived six or seven million years ago. As humans and chimps gradually evolved from a common ancestor, their DNA, passed from generation to generation, changed too. Same is said for cats and dogs that they evolved from a common ancestor that is neither dog nor cat.Why are dogs friendly wolves? but humans not intelligent chimps? Why are dogs descendants of wolves (with wolf ancestor) but humans and chimpanzees different species (with common ancestor)?

Answer 1

Humans and chimpanzees share a common ancestry reflected by 98% genetic similarity, but diverged evolutionarily, resulting in distinct species with different characteristics, including brain size and cognitive abilities. Domestic dogs evolved from wolves, influenced by human-directed selection for sociable traits. Genetic and behavioral similarities among humans, gorillas, and chimpanzees highlight their close evolutionary relationships.

Step-by-step explanation:

The close genetic relationship between humans and chimpanzees is reflected in the fact that they share about 98% of their DNA. This high degree of similarity underscores a shared ancestry between the species. However, despite this commonality, the evolutionary paths of humans and chimpanzees have diverged, leading to significant differences in brain size, cognitive abilities, and social behaviors. For example, the human brain has increased dramatically in size compared to that of the chimpanzee, a change that has been linked to enhanced cognitive capacities in humans.

Similarly, domestic dogs are descended from wolves through a process of domestication that has led to changes in behavior, particularly increased sociability and reduced aggression. This process has been driven by human selection for traits that make dogs more amenable companions. In contrast to the relationship between dogs and wolves, where humans actively shaped the evolution of dogs, the divergence between humans and chimpanzees occurred naturally over millions of years without such direct influence.

Genetic and Behavioral Similarities

Gorillas, chimpanzees, and humans have more than 97% of their DNA sequence in common. This genetic closeness is evident in the proteins produced, where similar amino acid sequences result in proteins that perform comparable functions. Yet, the unique evolutionary journey of each species has led to a distinct set of characteristics and adaptations.