Group selfies
Relationships Between Humans and Other Primates
How can scientists tell which primates humans are most closely related to? Since DNA is the ultimate instructions for our traits, basically the more similar our DNA is with another species, the more closely related we are and the more recently we evolved from a common ancestor.
Genetic analysis reveals that humans are most closely related to chimpanzees and bonobos. Some studies reveal only a 1.2% difference in the DNA between chimps and humans. Next closely related to humans appear to be gorillas of the African great ape family, who have a difference of about 1.6% in DNA sequence with humans.
Monkeys, like humans, make friends and socialize. This means that they're better friends with certain members of their group. In primate speak, says Poindexter, this is called “fission-fusion,” meaning you can be in a big community, but you might break off into smaller groups.
Chimpanzees laugh when they play and cry when they grieve. They experience and express joy, anger, jealousy, compassion, despair, affection, and a host of other emotions. Touching and grooming are vital to maintaining stable relationships and keeping the peace within the community group.