Dec 22 2003 - Physiology Web Site

First Words On Chimp - Human Genetic Differences

By rickyjames, Section News

SciScoop has previously reported the placement on the Internet of vast quantities of chimp genome data…but what does it all mean? This Cornell University press release summarizes the most obvious nuggets which have fallen from the trees to hit us on the head:
Nearly 99 percent alike in genetic makeup, chimpanzees and humans might be even more similar were it not for what researchers call “lifestyle” changes in the 6 million years that separate us from a common ancestor. Specifically, two key differences are how humans and chimps perceive smells and what we eat. (more…)