27 Reasons Chimpanzees Are More Human Than You Think

Chimpanzees are some of the most fascinating and intelligent creatures on Earth, sharing nearly 99% of their DNA with humans. They exhibit remarkable problem-solving skills, complex social structures, and even emotional intelligence similar to our own. From using tools to engaging in cooperative hunting, chimps display behaviors that were once thought to be uniquely human. Their playful nature, ability to communicate, and strong family bonds make them one of the most intriguing species in the animal kingdom. As we learn more about their incredible abilities, it becomes clear why these primates deserve our admiration and protection.

Chimpanzees share about 98.7% of their DNA with humans, making them our closest living relatives alongside bonobos. This genetic similarity means they exhibit many behaviors that are strikingly human-like, including problem-solving and emotional expression. Scientists have even studied chimpanzees to gain insight into early human evolution, as their behaviors provide clues about how our ancestors lived. Understanding this close connection reinforces the importance of conservation efforts to protect their declining populations.

Chimpanzees are among the most intelligent animals on the planet, capable of using tools, solving complex problems, and understanding abstract concepts. They have been observed stacking boxes to reach food, planning actions in advance, and learning sign language to communicate with humans. Some research suggests they possess self-awareness, as they can recognize themselves in mirrors and anticipate the thoughts of others. Their cognitive abilities rival those of young human children, proving how advanced their mental capabilities are.

Chimpanzees do not just use tools; they make them, which is a sign of advanced problem-solving skills. They have been seen crafting sticks into spears for hunting, using leaves to soak up water, and employing rocks to break open nuts. Some groups of chimpanzees even pass down these tool-making techniques, creating unique “cultures” of learned behavior. This ability to modify objects for specific purposes was once thought to be exclusive to humans.

Chimpanzees are significantly stronger than humans, with muscle fibers that provide greater force and endurance. Studies suggest they are about 1.5 times stronger than the average human, which is why they can effortlessly climb trees and swing between branches. Their raw strength comes from different muscle composition, which allows for quick bursts of power but less endurance than humans. This strength makes them formidable in the wild, enabling them to fend off predators and rivals when necessary.

Chimpanzees live in large social communities called troops, which can consist of up to 100 individuals. Within these groups, there are intricate hierarchies, with dominant males leading and securing their status through displays of strength and intelligence. Social interactions, including grooming and alliances, help maintain stability and prevent conflicts. These relationships are crucial for survival, as chimps rely on their group members for protection, food sharing, and learning essential skills.

Chimpanzees are highly emotional beings, capable of expressing joy, sadness, anger, and even empathy. They laugh when they play, hug and comfort each other in distress, and mourn their dead by staying near the bodies of deceased group members. These emotional connections mirror human behaviors, showing how deeply they experience and respond to their surroundings. Some researchers believe their social bonds are just as complex as human friendships, filled with trust, competition, and affection.

Although chimpanzees primarily eat fruit and plants, they also engage in hunting for meat. They have been observed hunting small animals, such as monkeys and birds, using complex teamwork and strategy. Males typically coordinate hunts by surrounding prey and using tools or sheer speed to capture them. This cooperative hunting behavior highlights their intelligence and ability to work together for a common goal.

Chimpanzee groups exhibit cultural differences, with unique behaviors and traditions passed down through generations. Some groups use different tools, have distinct grooming habits, or communicate in slightly varied vocalizations. These cultural variations are evidence of their ability to learn and adapt, much like humans across different regions. Scientists have observed that even neighboring chimpanzee groups may have vastly different ways of solving problems and socializing.

Chimpanzees have an incredible short-term memory that surpasses even humans in some cases. Studies have shown that they can remember sequences of numbers and recognize patterns faster than humans can. This ability is especially useful in the wild, where they need to recall food locations and social relationships. Their memory skills play a crucial role in survival, helping them navigate their environments efficiently.

Chimpanzees are known to engage in territorial battles, sometimes leading to full-blown “wars” between rival groups. These conflicts can last for months or even years, with organized raids, ambushes, and strategic attacks. Researchers have documented cases where entire groups have been wiped out in prolonged territorial disputes. This aggressive behavior mirrors human warfare, showcasing their ability to form alliances and plan attacks.

Grooming is an essential part of chimpanzee society, serving both practical and social purposes. By removing dirt, bugs, and parasites from each other’s fur, chimps maintain hygiene and strengthen social bonds. Grooming sessions also act as stress relievers and help reinforce alliances within the troop. A higher-ranked chimp may allow a lower-ranked one to groom them as a sign of trust and friendship.

Chimpanzees communicate a great deal through facial expressions, much like humans do. They use different expressions to show emotions such as fear, playfulness, submission, or aggression. A wide grin with exposed teeth often signals fear, while a relaxed face may indicate contentment. Scientists have studied their facial expressions to understand how closely their communication style aligns with ours.

Chimpanzees are one of the few animals that can recognize themselves in a mirror. When presented with a mirror, they often inspect themselves, touching their own face and body rather than reacting as if the reflection were another chimp. This ability indicates self-awareness, a trait once thought to be unique to humans. It also suggests a deeper level of cognitive function and self-perception.

Chimpanzee mothers invest years into raising and protecting their young. Infant chimps are dependent on their mothers for survival, learning essential skills such as climbing, foraging, and social interaction. Mothers are fiercely protective, often carrying their babies for the first few years and intervening in conflicts to keep them safe. This strong mother-child bond is crucial for a young chimp’s development and survival in the wild.

Just like humans, chimpanzees have unique fingerprints that can be used for identification. Their fingerprints serve the same function as ours, providing a better grip when climbing trees or handling objects. This feature highlights the close evolutionary connection between humans and chimps. Some forensic experts have even mistaken chimpanzee fingerprints for human ones due to their striking similarity.

Play is a crucial part of a chimpanzee’s development, helping them learn social and survival skills. Young chimps engage in activities like wrestling, chasing, and tickling, often laughing as they play. This behavior fosters friendships and helps establish social rankings within the group. Even adult chimps continue to play, demonstrating that fun and recreation are important at all life stages.

Chimpanzees have been observed using specific plants for medicinal purposes. When they have intestinal parasites, they will chew on bitter leaves known to have anti-parasitic properties. They also swallow rough leaves whole, which help physically remove worms from their digestive tracts. This self-medicating behavior highlights their deep understanding of their environment and its natural remedies.

Though they typically move on all fours using their knuckles, chimpanzees can walk on two legs for short distances. They do this when carrying food, tools, or young chimps in their arms. This ability to switch between quadrupedal and bipedal movement shows how flexible and adaptable they are. Scientists believe studying their locomotion helps us understand how early humans transitioned to walking upright.

In the wild, chimpanzees typically live around 40 to 50 years, but in captivity, they can reach 60 years or more. With access to medical care, proper nutrition, and protection from predators, captive chimps often live much longer than their wild counterparts. However, many conservationists argue that chimps thrive best in their natural habitats rather than in captivity. Long-term studies of aging chimpanzees provide valuable insights into human aging and longevity.

Chimpanzees build new nests every night using branches and leaves. These elevated beds keep them safe from ground predators and provide comfort for a restful sleep. They carefully select strong branches and arrange them in a way that offers support and cushioning. Some researchers believe that early humans adopted similar nest-building techniques before transitioning to permanent shelters.

Just like humans, some chimpanzees prefer using their left hand over their right. Studies suggest that hand dominance in chimps is linked to their cognitive functions, similar to humans. Some researchers believe this indicates that lateralization of the brain—the division of tasks between the left and right hemispheres—developed before humans evolved. Observing how chimps use their hands for tasks like tool use, grooming, and communication offers insight into our own evolution.

Chimpanzees have demonstrated the ability to learn and use symbols, much like human language. Some have been taught American Sign Language (ASL) and can communicate hundreds of words and phrases. Others have been trained to use visual symbols on keyboards to form basic sentences. Their ability to understand and express thoughts through language-like communication is a testament to their intelligence.

Studies suggest that chimpanzees, like humans, go through a midlife slump. Researchers have observed that middle-aged chimps exhibit less playful behavior and reduced social interactions. Interestingly, their well-being tends to improve again in older age, mirroring the human happiness curve. This discovery suggests that the midlife crisis might be deeply rooted in biology rather than just a human societal phenomenon.

Chimpanzees have been observed helping others without expecting anything in return. They share food, rescue stranded individuals, and comfort distressed group members. Even in experimental settings, chimps have chosen to help others access food rather than hoarding it for themselves. This selfless behavior suggests they have an innate sense of kindness and fairness.

Chimpanzees have been known to deceive others for their own benefit. They will hide food from higher-ranking members, pretend not to notice something valuable, or even feign disinterest to mislead others. This ability to manipulate situations to their advantage suggests a high level of intelligence. Some researchers argue that their deception skills resemble early human social strategies.

Many chimpanzees dislike rain and will seek shelter under trees or large leaves. Some even use makeshift umbrellas by holding large leaves over their heads. Others simply stay in their nests and wait for the rain to stop before continuing their activities. This aversion to getting wet is another way they exhibit behaviors similar to humans.

Chimpanzees are facing increasing threats due to habitat destruction, poaching, and disease. Deforestation has dramatically reduced their living space, forcing them into smaller and more vulnerable areas. Some are captured for the illegal pet trade or used in biomedical research, further reducing wild populations. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensuring their survival, as their numbers have been declining rapidly.

Chimpanzees continue to captivate scientists and nature lovers alike with their intelligence, emotions, and complex social interactions. Their ability to use tools, express empathy, and even engage in strategic thinking proves how advanced they truly are. However, despite their remarkable abilities, chimpanzees face increasing threats due to habitat destruction and poaching. Conservation efforts are more critical than ever to ensure these incredible primates have a future in the wild. By learning more about chimpanzees and supporting their protection, we can help preserve one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.