Final answer:
Bonobos split from chimpanzees about 2 million years ago, which may coincide with geographical changes such as the Congo River's formation. They exhibit different social behaviors despite both being close human relatives and sharing 99% of DNA with us.
Step-by-step explanation:
The bonobos split off from the chimpanzees approximately 2 million years ago. This event likely corresponded with the formation of the Congo River in Central Africa, which acted as a significant geographic barrier and led to the speciation of the two. While both species share 99% of their DNA with humans and belong to the genus Pan, they present distinct social structures and behaviors. Bonobos live in female-dominant, egalitarian and peaceful groups, while chimpanzees exhibit a more male-dominant and hierarchical social structure with significant male aggression.
Bonobos are known for their frequent and varied sexual behaviors, which are believed to contribute to social bonding and conflict resolution in their societies. In contrast, chimpanzees have a more restricted pattern of sexual behavior, primarily featuring opposite-sex pairings. Both species are omnivorous and share a common lineage with humans that dates back 5 to 7 million years, making them our closest living primate relatives.