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What is a Chimpanzee?

By SamK on January 15, 2024
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Chimpanzee

Chimpanzee is a species of great ape that is native to the forests and savannas of tropical Africa. Known for their intelligence and complex behaviors, chimpanzees are closely related to humans, sharing about 98% of our DNA. They are highly social animals, living in communities that can consist of dozens of individuals. Chimpanzees use tools, such as sticks to fish for termites and leaves to drink water, showcasing their problem-solving skills.

Classification of the Chimpanzee:

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Primates
Family: Hominidae
Genus: Pan
Species: There are two species

1. Common Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)
2. Bonobo or Pygmy Chimpanzee (Pan paniscus)

Each species is further divided into subspecies, with the common chimpanzee having several such as the Central chimpanzee, Western chimpanzee, Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee, and the Eastern chimpanzee. These classifications reflect their geographical distribution and slight variations in physical and behavioral characteristics.