Chimp

Chimp

The chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), also known as the common chimpanzee, is a species of great ape native to the forests and savannahs of tropical Africa. It is one of the two species of the genus Pan, the other being the bonobo (Pan paniscus). The chimpanzee is covered in coarse black hair, but has a bare face, fingers, toes, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet. It is more closely related to humans than to any other animal, sharing about 98% of our DNA.

Taxonomy and Evolution

Chimpanzees are members of the family Hominidae, along with gorillas, humans, and orangutans. The genus Pan is part of the subfamily Homininae, which also includes humans and their ancestors. The common ancestor of chimpanzees and humans is believed to have lived about 5 to 7 million years ago.

Physical Characteristics

Adult chimpanzees can weigh between 40 and 70 kg (88 and 154 lbs) and stand 1 to 1.7 meters (3.3 to 5.6 feet) tall. Males are generally larger and more robust than females. They have long arms that extend beyond their knees, which are adapted for knuckle-walking.

Behavior and Social Structure

Chimpanzees live in communities that can range from 20 to over 150 individuals. These communities are characterized by a complex social structure, with a clear hierarchy and frequent social interactions. They are known for their use of tools, such as sticks to extract termites from mounds and stones to crack open nuts.

Diet

Chimpanzees are omnivorous, with a diet that includes fruits, leaves, seeds, and insects. They have also been observed hunting and eating smaller mammals, such as colobus monkeys.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Female chimpanzees give birth to a single infant after a gestation period of about 230 days. The infant is dependent on its mother for several years, and females typically give birth every 5 to 6 years. Chimpanzees can live up to 40 years in the wild and over 60 years in captivity.

Conservation Status

The chimpanzee is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, poaching, and disease. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect their natural habitats and reduce human-wildlife conflict.

Related Pages

• Great ape
• Bonobo
• Hominidae
• Tool use by animals
• Endangered species