Chimpanzees and bonobos share the closest DNA sequence similarity with humans.
Chimpanzees: Our Closest Living Relatives
Humans share approximately 99% of our DNA with chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), making them our closest living relatives. This remarkable similarity means that only a small fraction of our genetic code differentiates us from these intelligent primates.
Bonobos: Another Near Match
Bonobos (Pan paniscus) are also exceptionally close to humans genetically. They are very similar to chimpanzees, and both species are equally closely related to humans. While the exact percentage of shared DNA may vary slightly depending on the study and methodology used, the close relationship is undeniable.
Monkeys: Close, But Not the Closest
While humans share a significant amount of DNA with monkeys compared to other mammals (e.g., cats, dogs), monkeys are not as closely related to humans as chimpanzees and bonobos are.
Summary of DNA Similarity
| Animal | Approximate DNA Similarity to Humans |
|---|---|
| Chimpanzees | ~99% |
| Bonobos | ~99% |
| Monkeys | Less than 99% |
In conclusion, both chimpanzees and bonobos are the animals with DNA most closely related to human DNA.
