Great Apes (M18)

The Great Apes

The term “great apes” typically refers to four species: gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, and orangutans. These species are known for their large size and close genetic relationship to humans.

Did you know that great apes, including gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, and orangutans, share the same blood types as humans? They can have blood types A, B, AB, and O. 

 

Here’s a breakdown of the genetic similarities between humans and the great apes:

Chimpanzees: Humans share about 98-99% of their DNA with chimpanzees.

 

Bonobos: Similar to chimpanzees, humans share approximately 98-99% of their DNA with bonobos.

 

Gorillas: Humans share around 98% of their DNA with gorillas.

 

Orangutans: Humans share about 96-97% of their DNA with orangutans.

 

These percentages highlight the close evolutionary relationships we have with these incredible species. 

⬆️Isn’t that fascinating?⬆️

 

One key characteristic that distinguishes apes, including gorillas, from monkeys is the absence of a tail. Additionally, apes tend to be larger and more intelligent than monkeys, with more complex social behaviors.