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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Apes and Human?

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Apes and humans share many similarities due to their common ancestry. However, there are several key differences between them. Some of the main differences include:

  1. Language and Communication: Apes do not have various languages like humans, who have numerous languages to communicate among themselves. Humans also have written languages, which apes do not possess.
  2. Intelligence and Cognition: While both humans and apes have opposable thumbs, humans have a more developed brain and are capable of making more complex tools. Apes have the human intelligence of a 3-4-year-old child.
  3. Physical Features: Some of the physical differences between humans and apes include:
  • Most apes have a diastema (an open space between upper incisors), while humans do not have a diastema.
  • Apes have prominent brow ridges, while humans have less pronounced brow ridges.
  • Arms are longer than legs in most apes, while humans have arms and legs of similar length.
  • Apes have a C-shaped spine, while humans have an S-shaped spine.
  • Apes have opposable great toes (hallux), while humans do not.
  1. Lifespan and Reproduction: Both humans and apes have an almost similar lifespan. However, humans in hunter-gatherer societies have a shorter inter-birth interval than apes. Humans can give birth about every three years, while chimpanzees only every five or six years.
  2. Social Structure and Culture: Apes do not have written history, while humans have rich history, culture, and social structures that span generations.

Despite these differences, humans and apes share about 98% of their DNA, with chimpanzees and bonobos being the closest to humans. Other similarities include bones and muscles, nervous system functioning, and the structure of the female uterus.

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  • What is the Difference Between Apes and Human?
  • Comparative Table: Apes vs Human

    • Comparative Table: Apes vs Human

    Here is a table comparing the differences between apes and humans:

    Feature Apes Humans
    Arm Length Apes have longer arms than humans, and they use their hands for walking. Human arms are shorter than legs and not used for walking, allowing for tool use and carrying things.
    Hand Bones Ape hand bones are robust to carry the body weight while walking. Human hand bones are less robust.
    Body Size Apes are generally larger than humans. Humans have a smaller body size compared to apes.
    Brain Development Apes have a smaller brain size compared to humans. Humans have a larger brain size compared to apes.
    Social Interaction Apes interact with each other in small, permanent groups. Humans have more complex social structures and interactions.

    Despite these differences, humans and apes share several common characteristics due to their common ancestry. Both humans and apes have increased social interaction and large body size. Additionally, humans and chimpanzees share about 98.6% of their DNA, making them our closest living relatives.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.