Final answer:
Correct option is A. Humans are most closely related to chimpanzees, sharing over 97% of our DNA and evolving from a common ancestor. Orangutans also share many similarities with humans, but genetic evidence indicates that chimpanzees are our closest living relatives among primates.
Step-by-step explanation:
Closest Living Relatives to Humans
When we look at the biological family Hominidae, which includes humans, we find that there are four living genera: chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, and humans. Among these, chimpanzees are considered our closest relatives. This close relationship is supported by genetic evidence indicating that humans share more than 97% of our DNA with both chimpanzees and gorillas. All members of the Hominidae family, including humans and these apes, can develop language and culture, a testament to our shared ancestry.
It is a common misconception that humans evolved from chimpanzees or that chimpanzees evolved from humans. In fact, chimpanzees and humans evolved from a common ancestor. While orangutans, featured in various imagery for their human-like qualities and intelligence, are indeed close relatives, based on genomic evidence, chimpanzees are the more closely related to humans than orangutans or any other primate.
Additional traits that underline our primate heritage include larger brains relative to other mammals, claws that have evolved into flattened nails, and stereoscopic vision. Humans, as primates, also exhibit generalist characteristics, making us adaptable to various environmental conditions. The shared traits and DNA among primates are the cornerstone of understanding our place within the animal kingdom and the natural world.
To address the question, chimpanzees (Option A) are thought to be most closely related to humans, sharing a very recent common ancestor with us, and showing remarkable genetic and behavioral similarities.