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Chimpanzee

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The chimpanzee, scientifically known as *Pan troglodytes*, is a species of great ape.

Chimpanzees in Uganda (5984913059)
Chimpanzees in Uganda (5984913059)

These primates live in the tropical forests and savannahs of Africa. They are members of the Hominidae family, which includes all great apes. This family also contains gorillas, orangutans, bonobos, and humans. Chimpanzees are particularly important to science because they are our closest living relatives.

Humanchimpchromosomes
Humanchimpchromosomes

Scientists use DNA sequencing to confirm this close evolutionary link. This shared history helps researchers understand how different species develop over millions of years.

Chimpanzees possess a complex social structure and remarkable intelligence. They live in groups that can range from 15 to 150 members.

013 Alpha male chimpanzee at Kibale forest National Park Photo by Giles Laurent
013 Alpha male chimpanzee at Kibale forest National Park Photo by Giles Laurent

These societies follow a strict male-dominated hierarchy. While males hold the highest ranks, most disputes are settled without violence. A defining trait of the species is their ability to use tools.

They modify sticks, rocks, grass, and leaves to help them survive. For example, they use sticks to hunt for termites, ants, and honey. Some populations even create sharpened sticks to spear small mammals.

There are several distinct subspecies of chimpanzee across Africa.

Adult female and infant wild chimpanzees feeding on Ficus sur
Adult female and infant wild chimpanzees feeding on Ficus sur

The Central chimpanzee, or *tschego*, lives in much of Central Africa. There are about 140,000 of these individuals in the wild. The Western chimpanzee lives in countries like Ivory Coast and Guinea. Approximately 52,800 Western chimpanzees remain. The Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee is much rarer, with only 6,000 to 9,000 individuals. Finally, the Eastern chimpanzee is the most numerous, with up to 256,000 individuals. Some researchers also suggest a fifth subspecies called the Southeastern chimpanzee.

Scientific understanding of the chimpanzee has grown significantly since the 1700s.

2006-12-09 Chimpanzee Gregoire D Bruyere
2006-12-09 Chimpanzee Gregoire D Bruyere

The name "chimpanzee" was first recorded in *The London Magazine* in 1738. In 1641, the Dutch anatomist Nicolaes Tulp studied a specimen from Angola. Later, the German naturalist Lorenz Oken established the genus name *Pan* in 1816. In 1933, scientists officially recognized the bonobo as a separate species from the chimpanzee. Modern research has even explored teaching chimpanzees American Sign Language to test their communication abilities.

Evolutionary biology shows a deep connection between humans and the *Pan* genus.

Man&chimpbrains
Man&chimpbrains

Evidence suggests that humans and chimpanzees split from a common ancestor about 8 million years ago.

Yousaf et al. 2021 Fig.1
Yousaf et al. 2021 Fig.1

A 2017 study from George Washington University suggests bonobos split from the chimpanzee line about 2 million years ago. Genetic studies show that humans and chimpanzees differ by only about 1.2% in direct DNA sequence.

Chimp and human hands
Chimp and human hands

Interestingly, human chromosome 2 is believed to be the result of two ancestral ape chromosomes fusing together. This genetic similarity is why some academics describe humans as a "third chimpanzee."

Chimpanzees have specific physical traits and life cycles.

Naturales IMG 1851
Naturales IMG 1851

Adult males typically weigh between 35 and 55 kilograms. They are more robustly built than bonobos but less so than gorillas. Their arms are notably longer than their legs. Regarding reproduction, a female's gestation period lasts eight months.

An infant is usually weaned at three years old. However, the infant often maintains a very close relationship with its mother for several years after weaning.

Today, the chimpanzee is listed as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List.

South Djoum Chimp
South Djoum Chimp

Estimates suggest there are only between 170,000 and 300,000 individuals left in the wild. They face several major threats that put their survival at risk. Habitat loss is one of the biggest dangers to their populations. Poaching and the spread of diseases also cause significant harm. Protecting their natural environments is essential for the survival of this intelligent species.

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🖼️ Images & Media (23)
File:Yousaf et al. 2021 Fig.1.svg
Yousaf et al. 2021 Fig.1.svg
File:Humanchimpchromosomes.png
Humanchimpchromosomes.png
File:Naturales IMG 1851.jpg
Naturales IMG 1851.jpg
File:Chimp and human hands.jpg
Chimp and human hands.jpg
File:Gombe_Stream_NP_Schlafstelle.jpg
Gombe_Stream_NP_Schlafstelle.jpg
File:Adult female and infant wild chimpanzees feeding on Ficus sur.jpeg
Adult female and infant wild chimpanzees...
File:2006-12-09 Chimpanzee Gregoire D Bruyere.JPG
2006-12-09 Chimpanzee Gregoire D Bruyere.JPG
File:Pediculus schaeffi.JPG
Pediculus schaeffi.JPG
File:Chimpanzees in Uganda (5984913059).jpg
Chimpanzees in Uganda (5984913059).jpg
File:013 Alpha male chimpanzee at Kibale forest National Park Photo by Giles Laurent.jpg
013 Alpha male chimpanzee at Kibale...
File:Gombe Stream NP gegenseitiges Lausen.jpg
Gombe Stream NP gegenseitiges Lausen.jpg
File:Adult male chimps in mahale.jpg
Adult male chimps in mahale.jpg

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