How Are Humans Like Animals?

How Are Apes Like Humans?

First of all, I would like to explain why apes and monkeys are not the same. This is because apes have a greater similarity to humans than monkeys do. There are four different types of ape and they are as follows:

Gorillas

Chimpanzees

Gibbons

Orangutans

1. No Tail - The first similarity that I would like to start with is the fact that humans don’t have tails and neither do apes. This is also a difference to monkeys as they all have tails.

2. I’m the King of the Swingers - Apes have the same basic body structure as humans do. This is significant in the shoulders as humans and apes are both built to be able to swing from branch to branch in trees, whereas monkeys aren’t capable of this.

3. Chimp-Chimp-Cheree - Chimpanzees are humans’ closest living relatives and we share 98% of their genetic material.

4. Altruism - Scientists have studied chimpanzee behaviour to compare it with that of our own. They have found that chimps use “altruistic” behaviour in groups. This means that these animals show concern and care for others, which humans are also capable of. This sign of compassion and empathy stretches to lengths where a male and female chimpanzee can “adopt” an orphaned child even if it has come from an unrelated group.

5. Sharing is Caring - This altruistic behaviour also involves the act of chimpanzees sharing with each other in their groups. Humans also have the capacity to share.

6. Technical Whiz - Apes have a high level of intelligence and are able to solve complex problems. Scientists have been able to teach apes to use a computer keyboard which most human beings should be able to do.

7. Give Me a Sign - Trainers have also been able to educate apes in using sign language to communicate. Some humans can also use sign language.

8. Cliques - Different groups of chimpanzees develop their own behaviour and skills. For example; a group may use leaf stems to catch ants and eat them, whereas another group may have figured out how to crack open nut shells. Humans also have their own unique skills that they share in a variety of groups.

9. Nut Cracker - Chimpanzees can use simple tools such as an anvil with a rock to crack open nuts. This uses the kind of initiative that warrants the capability of judging force on an object and also precision. Humans also have these skills.

10. Hands - Apes have firm hands to help them grip onto trees, as do humans.

11. Fingers - Apes have ten nimble fingers, five on each hand. This is exactly the same as human fingers.

12. Eyes - Humans have forward facing eyes to measure distance, as do apes.

13. I’m Thinking…. I’m Thinking…. - Apes have the ability to develop thoughts and ideas which can be compared to human beings.

14. Together Forever - Some humans are able to build long lasting relationships which is the same as apes.

15. Adaptation - Apes are able to adapt to lots of different environments as humans are able to do. For example, an orangutan can build its own shelter from rain.

16. Hairy - Apes are hairy all over their bodies and so are some humans!

17. Alpha Male - In most ape societies the male is in charge and protects the young and females from danger; this can be specifically placed with gorillas. This can also be the case for some human societies, although there may not be as many females as gorillas can have several in their group!

18. Talk It Out - Apes have a brilliant capability to communicate with each other, they just aren’t able to form human words. This level of communication can be directly compared with humans.

19. Live While We’re Young - Young apes like to play for fun and also to build long lasting relationships. Young humans can also be related to this behaviour.

20. Taught Through Time - Orangutans teach their young for nine years before they are able to go out into the wild independently. The mother will teach their child everything they’ve learnt from their mother before them. This can include a wide range of things such as determining what food is ripe enough to eat or poisonous as well as knowing the dangers of their environment. Human parents may also pass on their wisdom to their children.

21. Mummy - Apes also have maternal instincts in caring for their young much like humans do.