Final answer:
Chimpanzees and bonobos are primates closely related to humans, differentiated by social structure and behavior, with chimpanzees being male-dominated and more aggressive, and bonobos being female-dominated and more peaceful.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Common Chimp, also known as the chimpanzee, and the Bonobo are two distinct species within the genus Pan. Sharing 99% of their DNA with humans, these species are our closest living relatives in the animal kingdom. Chimpanzees, or Pan troglodytes, live in male-dominated hierarchies, exhibit high levels of aggression, and their sexual relations are more restricted to opposite-sex pairings. In contrast, bonobos, or Pan paniscus, live in female-dominant, egalitarian groups, and engage in frequent and diverse sexual behaviors that serve to strengthen social bonds and alleviate conflict. These behaviors include various forms of genital contact with both same-sex and opposite-sex partners. Geographically separated by the Congo River, these two species have evolved distinct physical and social characteristics, despite their close genetic relationship.
Bonobos are slighter with longer legs and more head hair, and their societies are more peaceful compared to chimpanzees, which are larger and exhibit higher levels of aggression and infanticide. Both species are part of the biological family Hominidae, which also includes gorillas, humans, and orangutans, and all of which can develop language and culture. Hence, understanding the differences between chimpanzees and bonobos provides greater insight into the diversity and complexity of social structures within our closest primate relatives.