Final answer:
It is appropriate to classify humans and great apes within the same category because they share more than 97% of their DNA, suggesting a close relationship and common ancestry. The biological family Hominidae, based on genetic similarities, encompasses humans, chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans. These shared genetics demonstrate our evolutionary connection despite our morphological differences.
Step-by-step explanation:
On the basis of genetic similarities, it is appropriate to classify humans and great apes within the same category because of the significant percentage of shared DNA. Humans and our closest relatives in the animal kingdom, the great apes which include chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans, share more than 97% of their DNA sequence in common. This high degree of genetic overlap suggests that we are closely related and all descend from a common ancestor.
The cladogram based on DNA comparisons shows the close evolutionary relationships between humans and apes. Despite some physical differences and separate evolutionary paths, the underlying genetic makeup remains strikingly similar. Chimpanzees and humans share about 98% of their genetic code, pointing to a recent common ancestor, illustrating that despite different appearances and behaviors, the genetic evidence places humans and great apes into the same biological family, Hominidae.
Humans evolved from an early ancestor called Australopithecus, which also shared similarities with modern chimpanzees. The hominid family encompasses both ancient and current species that exhibit key developments such as large brain size and the ability to use tools, skills essential for our evolutionary success. This genetic evidence reaffirms that the great apes are indeed our closest living relatives, and supports their classification alongside humans in the same biological category.