20 Animals That Are Most Similar To Chimpanzees

Bonobo

The Bonobo, also known as the pygmy chimpanzee, is one of the closest living relatives of the common chimpanzee. These primates share 99% of their DNA with chimpanzees and are considered to be the sister species of chimpanzees. Bonobos are found in the Democratic Republic of Congo and are known for their peaceful and cooperative nature. They are also known for their use of sexual behavior as a means of social bonding and conflict resolution.

Gorilla

Gorillas are another primate species that is closely related to chimpanzees. They share 98% of their DNA with chimpanzees and are considered to be the next closest living relative after the bonobo. Gorillas are found in central and eastern Africa and are known for their large size and strength. They are also known for their peaceful nature and strong family bonds. Unlike chimpanzees, gorillas are primarily herbivores and spend most of their day foraging for food.

Orangutan

Orangutans are primates that are native to the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. They share 97% of their DNA with chimpanzees and are considered to be the next closest living relative after gorillas. Orangutans are known for their intelligence and tool use, much like chimpanzees. They are also known for their arboreal lifestyle and solitary nature. Unfortunately, orangutans are critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.

Human

Humans and chimpanzees share a common ancestor and share 98.7% of their DNA. This makes them the closest living relative to humans. Humans and chimpanzees share many characteristics such as opposable thumbs, large brains and similar social structures. However, humans have developed a highly advanced society and culture, whereas chimpanzees live in smaller groups with more simple social structures.

Macaque

Macaques are a type of monkey that are closely related to chimpanzees. They share 95% of their DNA with chimpanzees and are considered to be the next closest living relative after orangutans. Macaques are found in Asia and are known for their intelligence and social nature. They are also known for their wide range of facial expressions and vocalizations.

Baboon

Baboons are primates that are closely related to chimpanzees. They share 94% of their DNA with chimpanzees and are considered to be the next closest living relative after macaques. Baboons are found in Africa and are known for their intelligence and social nature. They are also known for their large and diverse troop sizes.

Tarsier

Tarsiers are small primates that are closely related to chimpanzees. They share 93% of their DNA with chimpanzees and are considered to be the next closest living relative after baboons. Tarsiers are found in Southeast Asia and are known for their large eyes and ability to rotate their heads 180 degrees. They are also known for their nocturnal lifestyle and arboreal habits.

Squirrel monkey

Squirrel monkeys are small primates that are closely related to chimpanzees. They share 92% of their DNA with chimpanzees and are considered to be the next closest living relative after tarsiers. Squirrel monkeys are found in Central and South America and are known for their intelligence and social nature. They are also known for their small size and vibrant coloration.

Capuchin monkey

Capuchin monkeys are small primates that are closely related to chimpanzees. They share 91% of their DNA with chimpanzees and are considered to be the next closest living relative after squirrel monkeys. Capuchin monkeys are found in Central and South America and are known for their intelligence and tool use. They are also known for their distinctive white or black cap of fur on their heads.

Marmoset

Marmosets are small primates that are closely related to chimpanzees. They share 90% of their DNA with chimpanzees and are considered to be the next closest living relative after capuchin monkeys. Marmosets are found in South America and are known for their small size and agility. They are also known for their complex social structures and vocal communication. Marmosets are known to form strong bonds with their family and mate for life.

Galago

Galagos, also known as bushbabies, are small primates that are closely related to chimpanzees. They share 89% of their DNA with chimpanzees and are considered to be the next closest living relative after marmosets. Galagos are found in Africa and are known for their small size, large eyes and nocturnal lifestyle. They are also known for their ability to jump long distances, thanks to their elongated hind legs.

Lemur

Lemurs are primates that are found exclusively on the island of Madagascar. They share 88% of their DNA with chimpanzees and are considered to be the next closest living relative after Galagos. Lemurs are known for their wide range of sizes, from the tiny mouse lemur to the large indri lemur. They are also known for their diverse range of adaptations, from arboreal to terrestrial lifestyles, and from nocturnal to diurnal habits. Some lemur species are also known for their complex social structures and vocal communication.

Colugo

Colugos, also known as flying lemurs, are arboreal mammals that are found in Southeast Asia. They share 87% of their DNA with chimpanzees and are considered to be the next closest living relative after lemurs. Colugos are known for their gliding ability, thanks to their large patagium (skin flaps) that stretch between their limbs. They are also known for their nocturnal and arboreal habits, and for their solitary and elusive nature.

Aye-aye

Aye-ayes are primates that are found exclusively on the island of Madagascar. They share 86% of their DNA with chimpanzees and are considered to be the next closest living relative after colugos. Aye-ayes are known for their long, thin middle finger that they use to catch insects and grubs in tree bark. They are also known for their nocturnal and arboreal habits, and for their unique lemur-like appearance.

Potto

Pottos are small primates that are found in the tropical rainforests of West and Central Africa. They share 85% of their DNA with chimpanzees and are considered to be the next closest living relative after aye-ayes. Pottos are known for their slow and deliberate movement and for their excellent grip, thanks to the opposable digits on their hands and feet. They are also known for their arboreal and solitary habits, and for their thick fur that helps them blend in with their surroundings.

Bushbaby

Bushbabies are small primates that are found in Africa. They share 84% of their DNA with chimpanzees and are considered to be the next closest living relative after pottos. Bushbabies are known for their large eyes and ears, which help them navigate the dark forest canopy at night. They are also known for their agile jumping ability, thanks to their elongated hind legs. They are also known for their nocturnal and arboreal habits, and for their loud vocalizations.

Loris

Lorises are small primates that are found in tropical forests of India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia and parts of Africa. They share 83% of their DNA with chimpanzees and are considered to be the next closest living relative after bushbabies. Lorises are known for their slow and deliberate movement and for their excellent grip, thanks to the opposable digits on their hands and feet. They are also known for their nocturnal and arboreal habits, and for their thick fur that helps them blend in with their surroundings. They are also known for their venomous bite, which is used to paralyze prey.

Titi monkey

Titi monkeys are small primates that are found in South America, primarily in the Amazon Rainforest. They share 82% of their DNA with chimpanzees and are considered to be the next closest living relative after lorises. Titi monkeys are known for their social behavior and strong pair bonds, living in monogamous pairs for life. They are also known for their arboreal and diurnal habits and for their distinctive vocalizations.

Talapoin monkey

Talapoin monkeys are small primates that are found in West and Central Africa. They share 81% of their DNA with chimpanzees and are considered to be the next closest living relative after titi monkeys. Talapoins are known for their small size, typically weighing less than 2 pounds. They are also known for their arboreal and diurnal habits, and for their social behavior, living in large troops.

Uakari monkey

Uakari monkeys are small to medium-sized primates that are found in the rainforests of South America. They share 80% of their DNA with chimpanzees and are considered to be the next closest living relative after talapoin monkeys. Uakari monkeys are known for their distinctive red face, which is a result of high levels of carotenoids in their diet. They are also known for their arboreal and diurnal habits and for their social behavior, living in large troops.