When did chimpanzees and humans diverge? By looking at how different two species genomes are (in this case humans and chimps) you can use the mutation rate to estimate how long has passed since they diverged. Such research indicates that humans and chimps split between 5 – 7 million years ago.
When did chimpanzees first appear on earth? Recent DNA evidence suggests the Bonobo and common Chimpanzee species separated from each other less than one million years ago. The chimpanzee line split from the last common ancestor of the human line approximately six million years ago. Because no species other than Homo sapiens has survived from the human line of that branching, both chimpanzee species are the closest living relatives of humans. The chimpanzee's genus, Pan, diverged from the Gorilla's genus about 7 million years ago.
How have chimpanzees evolved? The earliest-known primates date from about 70 million years ago (Macdonald, 1985). The greater apes (family Pongidae, gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, and (orangutans) split off from the lesser apes (family Hylobatidae, gibbons and (siamangs) 20 million years ago. The chimpanzee is the animal that is closest to people genetically; people and chimps have very similar DNA (about 98% of human and chimpanzee DNA is (identical). Genetic studies show that chimpanzees and humans share a common ancestor.
How have chimpanzees adapted to different changes? Opposable Big Toe The chimpanzees foot has an opposable big toe, which serves like a thumb on a hand. The big toe is useful for chimps, as it grabs branches while climbing throught trees and can hold other items like tools. This toe benefits chimpanzees, becasue it enables them to hold on into branches. Arms Chimpanzees have long and strong arms. For chimpanzees having strong arms are totallu useful for helping them to climb, swing through trees and catch food. Communal Living Chimpanzees live in groups that goes through 20 to 50 individuals. These adaptation gives chimpanzees security and is also very helpful. When chimpanzees are in group they will protect better their food, resources, territory and their cubs. Living in group, can also help then to increase the population.