Hobbies And Interests
Genetic Similarities
Humans and chimpanzees are remarkably similar; our genetic codes are 99 percent identical, making the chimp, or Pan troglodyte, our closest relative.
Structures
The brain stem controls several vital functions that are essential for life, such as breathing and heartbeat. Both human and chimp brain stems perform these vital functions. The brain stem of chimps and humans is divided into the midbrain, pons and medulla.
Differences
The human brain is proportionately larger than would be expected for our body size when compared with other primates. In fact, it's three times bigger than what one would expect. Before birth, human and chimp brains grow at the same rate, but the chimp's brain stops growing just after birth and the human brain continues growing for two years after birth. When comparing the size of the brain in relation to the size of the brain stem in humans and chimps, there is a significant difference. Humans have comparatively more brain volume relative to brain stem volume than chimps do.