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Most biologists hold the view that chimpanzees and humans share a close common ancestor due to molecular, morphological, physiological, geographical and behavioural similarities. Although in some cases [[convergent evolution]] makes for such similarities in distantly related organisms the similarities between humans and chimps include neutral genetic markers that could not be subject to convergent evolution <ref> A. Hobolth et al. (2007) Genomic relationships and speciation times of human, chimpanzee, and gorilla inferred from a coalescent hidden Markov model. ''PLOS Genetics'' '''23:'''e7</ref>
Most biologists hold the view that chimpanzees and humans share a close common ancestor due to molecular, morphological, physiological, geographical and behavioural similarities. Although in some cases [[convergent evolution]] makes for such similarities in distantly related organisms the similarities between humans and chimps include neutral genetic markers that could not be subject to convergent evolution <ref> A. Hobolth et al. (2007) Genomic relationships and speciation times of human, chimpanzee, and gorilla inferred from a coalescent hidden Markov model. ''PLOS Genetics'' '''23:'''e7</ref>
==Measurements==
The name ‘chimpanzee’, adopted by Europeans in 1738, derives from Bantu ''kivili-chimpenze'', ‘mockman’, though 16th century Portugese explorers called them ‘pygmies.’
==Physiology==
A full grown adult male chimpanzee can weigh from 35-70 kilograms (75-155 pounds) and stand 0.9-1.2 meters (3-4 feet) tall, while females usually weigh 26-50 kg (57-110 pounds) and stand 0.66-1 meters (2.0-3.5 feet) tall.
A full grown adult male chimpanzee can weigh from 35-70 kilograms (75-155 pounds) and stand 0.9-1.2 meters (3-4 feet) tall, while females usually weigh 26-50 kg (57-110 pounds) and stand 0.66-1 meters (2.0-3.5 feet) tall.
Chimpanzees have both opposable big toes and opposable thumbs. Most primates have nine wrist bones. Humans, chimps and gorillas have eight; two have fused, stabilising the wrist for knuckle-walking.
==Lifespan==
==Lifespan==
Chimpanzees rarely live past the age of 40 in the wild, but have been known to reach the age of 60 in captivity, and ''Tarzan'' star Cheeta is still alive [[as of 2006]] at the age of 74.
Chimpanzees rarely live past the age of 40 in the wild, but have been known to reach the age of 60 in captivity, and ''Tarzan'' star Cheeta is still alive [[as of 2006]] at the age of 74.
==Social organization==
Chimps travel in small, frequently-changing groups. Larger groups gather around food or an attractive female. Different groups use different tools. Some ‘fish’ for termites with twigs; others crack nuts with rocks or sharpen spears with their teeth to hunt bush-babies. <ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/6387611.stm</ref>
Males co-operate in hunting and share meat afterwards. Although chimps like meat, it forms only 2% of their diet. Bonobos rarely eat it, and both species prefer fruit. Hunts mainly happen during food shortages or for mating displays.
Angry chimps stand upright, swagger, charge, scream and throw things. Grins usually show fear. Social grooming helps maintain calm and friendly relations. Males from neighbouring communities are aggressive with each other.
==Chimpanzee differences==
==Chimpanzee differences==
Anatomical differences between Common and Pygmy Chimpanzees are slight, but in [[sex|sexual]] and social behavior there are marked differences. Common Chimpanzees have an [[omnivore|omnivorous]] [[diet (nutrition)|diet]], a troop [[predation|hunting]] culture based on beta males led by an [[alpha male]], and highly complex social relationships; Bonobos, on the other hand, have a mostly [[herbivorous]] diet and an [[egalitarian]], [[matriarchal]], sexually receptive behavior. The exposed skin of the face, hands and feet varies from pink to very dark in both species, but is generally lighter in younger individuals, darkening as maturity is reached. Bonobos have longer arms and tend to walk upright more often than the Common Chimpanzee.{{fact}}
Anatomical differences between Common and Pygmy Chimpanzees are slight, but in [[sex|sexual]] and social behavior there are marked differences. Common Chimpanzees have an [[omnivore|omnivorous]] [[diet (nutrition)|diet]], a troop [[predation|hunting]] culture based on beta males led by an [[alpha male]], and highly complex social relationships; Bonobos, on the other hand, have a mostly [[herbivorous]] diet and an [[egalitarian]], [[matriarchal]], sexually receptive behavior. The exposed skin of the face, hands and feet varies from pink to very dark in both species, but is generally lighter in younger individuals, darkening as maturity is reached. Bonobos have longer arms and tend to walk upright more often than the Common Chimpanzee.{{fact}}
Among bonobos, females have low-key dominance, priority over eating and solidarity against male aggression. Bonobos use sex in all its permutations to alleviate tension or for appeasement; it’s casual and quick (average 13 seconds) and not necessarily driven by orgasm or reproduction. Anything that arouses the interest of more than one bonobo results in sexual contact. Unlike common chimps, bonobos often have sex face to face. Despite constant sexual activity, reproductive rates are similar to common chimps. Males stay near their mothers all their lives; high-ranking males are usually sons of important females.<ref>http://www.janegoodall.org/chimp_central/chimpanzees/</ref>
==Chimp intelligence==
Chimps can recognise themselves in a mirror, vocalise and show similar nonverbal communication patterns to humans. Young chimps laugh when playful or being tickled. They appear to express emotions. Individuals identify themselves with distinctive sounds. Chimpanzees don’t have the physiology for speech, but can learn some human language – Washoe learned over 800 ASL signs in the 1960s – though without grammar, syntax or words with variable meaning.
Chimp and human brain and CNS anatomy, blood composition and immune response are similar. Many behaviours are similar. However, chimps don’t share history, make long-term plans, or engage in group discussions. The brightest chimp is intellectually duller than a normal human. A form of neuropsin, a protein with a role in learning and memory, originated less than 5 million years ago and is expressed only in humans.
==Chimps and HIV==
HIV may have originated in chimpanzees when they ate monkeys infected with a simian virus, which mutated. This increases the urgency of preserving chimps in their habitat, although commercial logging, bushmeat and the illegal pet trade have put chimps at risk of extinction.<ref>http://www.newscientist.com/channel/health/hiv/dn1991</ref>
==Taxonomic relationships==
==Taxonomic relationships==