Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following primates is the most closely related to humans?
A
Chimpanzee
B
Gorilla
C
Orangutan
D
Gibbon
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of evolutionary relationships: Closely related species share a more recent common ancestor. Humans are part of the primate family, and determining the closest relative involves analyzing genetic, anatomical, and fossil evidence.
Review genetic evidence: Studies of DNA sequences show that humans share approximately 98-99% of their DNA with chimpanzees, indicating a very close evolutionary relationship.
Consider anatomical similarities: Chimpanzees and humans share many physical traits, such as opposable thumbs, similar skeletal structures, and facial features, which further support their close relationship.
Examine fossil evidence: Fossil records show that humans and chimpanzees diverged from a common ancestor approximately 5-7 million years ago, which is more recent compared to the divergence of humans from gorillas, orangutans, or gibbons.
Conclude based on evidence: Based on genetic, anatomical, and fossil data, chimpanzees are the most closely related primates to humans among the given options.