Final answer:
Chimpanzees are our closest living evolutionary relatives in the primate family Hominidae with which we share approximately 98% of our DNA, explaining the many anatomical traits we have in common. The high percentage of shared DNA signifies our close evolutionary relationship and influences both our genetic make-up and primate culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
Our Closest Evolutionary Relatives
The living primates most closely related to humans are the members of the family Hominidae, which includes chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, and humans. Among these, chimpanzees are our closest relatives. Humans and chimpanzees have many anatomical traits in common due to our shared DNA. We share approximately 98% of our DNA with chimpanzees, indicating that we have a common ancestor and explaining our anatomical and genetic similarities.
Anatomical Traits in Common
Generalist traits like versatile diets and the ability to thrive in a variety of environmental conditions are common among primates. However, humans have certain specialized features such as a highly complex brain capacity, bicameral vision, thumbs that can touch the fingers of the same hand, and the ability to walk upright. These features have evolved in different ways in humans as compared to other primates.
Significance of Shared DNA
The fact that we share 93 to 99 percent of our DNA sequence with other primates is significant as it highlights the closeness of our evolutionary relationship. This high percentage of shared DNA translates to shared proteins and similarities in physiological traits, including our biochemistry. This is why primate culture has vital implications for understanding our own species and for the study of anthropology and biology.