Human beings (Homo sapiens) and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) belong in the same order of primates and the Hominidae family. This is because they have common characteristics that lead them to be grouped together in this order.
A number of similar biological aspects make human and chimpanzees to be grouped together. Both chimpanzees and humans have highly flexible limbs that end up with five fingers. These limbs for both limbs and hind limbs enable this order of animals to perform various activities such as climbing trees and the use of tools. Human beings and chimpanzees have flexible shoulders and joints of the hips. This tool aids in mobility and flexibility of the animal (Genet and Life Filmstrips, 1968). They are endowed with great brain capacity. The part of the brain that is involved in the sight and hands coordination is larger than that of other animals. Cerebrum has expanded greatly and at the same time, the olfactory region has shrieked tremendously, unlike other animals. Clavicle or collarbone is also present in this order of the animal kingdom. There is also a tendency of an erect posture that has been observed between human beings and chimpanzees (Swan, 1998). This is seen when they are walking around. In addition, as they walk, they exhibit by-pedalism characteristics. This is the ability of walking on two hind \limbs or legs. The two animals are characterized by body air that covers their body throughout although to human being hair is not that intense due to behavioral characteristics of wearing clothes (Platt & Burnie, 2001). Their eyes are also situated in the forehead a thing that gives them a stereoscopic vision of an object. In deistic approach, all primates are omnivorous. This is to say that primates’ diets consist of both plant and animal products.
Despite the above similarities, a number of differences distinguish human beings from chimpanzees although they both originate from the same ancestor. While this order of animals is known for their improved intelligence, the human mind proves to be superior to that of a chimpanzee. The mind of a human is also bigger than that of a chimpanzee with its high surface area that explains the wrinkles found in it. On average, the human mind is three times greater than that of a chimpanzee. Another outstanding difference between these two species of this order is the ability to speak as well as facial expression. Though a number of its facial expressions are roughly like those of a human being, a human smile and exposure of teeth are seen as an act of aggression in the world of the chimpanzee. Human beings are able to talk aided by well developed, sophisticated vocal chords and muscular tongues that enable them to articulate and control different sounds and utterances that constitute a clear language used for communication. The ability to speak arguably makes human beings superior to all other types of animals (Coppard, 2001).
Walking also presents another difference between these animals. Human beings’ walk is upright due to their well-developed pelvic. Chimpanzees too can walk upright, but they do so only when they want to see far. They mostly prefer to walk on all fours (Preston & Preston, 1992). Although their eyes are located in the forehead, the iris of the human eye is white while that of a chimpanzee is darkish brown. The use of tools in the human being is more complex and involves complex man made tools that require flexibility and a well-coordinated brain activity than a chimpanzee. Another behavioral characteristic that strikes a difference in a human being is in regards to sexual behavior. Chimpanzees are not dictated by friendship or influenced by emotional when it comes to determining a mating partner. In human beings, there is strong emotional and friendship attachment that dictates their sexual life. Jealousy arises, and this explains why human being lives in small units of females and male called families (Waal, 2013).
The above traits are significant as they define the day to day lives of these animals and also their adaptability to the environment.
Of the above differences between chimpanzee and human being, the most significant of all is the ability to speak, sexual life orientation and brain capacity of human life. Human beings can talk and communicate through a complex verbal language that helps him in social life. Sexual life orientation makes a family and helps in the creation of principles of having a specific partner in reproduction. Brain capacity also enables a man to invent and develop various tools and equipments together with conducting various activities that have made him more superior to other animals.
References
Genet, N., & Life Filmstrips. (1968). The Animal kingdom. New York: Life Filmstrips.
Swan, E. P. (1998). Primates: From howler monkeys to humans. New York: Franklin Watts.
Platt, R., & Burnie, D. (2001). Apes and other hairy primates. London: Dorling Kindersley.
Coppard, K. (2001). Africa's animal kingdom: A visual celebration. London: PRC Pub.
Preston-Mafham, R., & Preston-Mafham, K. (1992). Primates of the world. New York: Facts on File.
Waal, F. B. M. (2013). The bonobo and the atheist: In search of humanism among the primates.
