Anthropology/Human Evolution

Advertisement

Expert: - 10/20/2008


Question
Hi i would like to know  if chimpanzees  are humans' closest livinf non-
human Primate relatives? If yes, what would be some of the traits that would
support this statement. And where can i read more about this.

Thank you,  

Answer
Dear Alejandra
Chimpanzees and bonobos are our closest living relatives from both a genetic and morphological standpoint.  For more about this, consult any basic college-level textbook on physical anthropology.  They are closer to us than monkeys, gibbons, or other apes in nearly every aspect of their morphology.
Any of the recent books by Franz De Waal are good place to start.
Cheers,
John Shea

Anthropology

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

John Shea

Expertise

Questions about Old World prehistoric archaeology (especially Stone Age) of Europe, Africa, and Western Asia, prehistoric human and hominid behavior, primitive technology, origin of modern humans, extinction of the Neandertals.

Experience

>20 years as a professional anthropologist based at a research university.

Publications
Journal of Field Archaeology, Journal of Archaeological Science, Lithic Technology, Evolutionary Anthropology, Current Anthropology, Mitekufat HaEven (Journal of the Israel Prehistoric Society), Paléorient, Annual of the Department of Antiquities of Jordan, American Anthropologist, Geoarchaeology.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D (Anthropology) Harvard University, 1991.
BA (Archaeology) Boston University, 1982.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.