Question

Humans and mammals such as monkeys and apes have certain similarities in behaviour and anatomy. This indicates that humans possibly evolved from apes. List these resemblances in two columns under the headings of (a) behaviour and (b) anatomy. Are there any differences that you think are noteworthy?

Answer 1

The similarities between humans and mammals in terms of behaviour and anatomy have been tabulated below.
Basis of Similarities between humans and other mammals

Basis of Similarities between humans and other mammals	Similarities
a) Behaviour	i. Living in groups: Both primates and humans live in groups. While primates live in groups especially for the survival needs, humans, on the other hand, live in groups for reasons such as nationality and also due to cultural factors. ii. Communication: Both primates and humans have the ability to communicate. On one hand, primates use sounds and gestures as modes of communication, humans, on the other hand, use advanced communication mediums such as writing and talking besides gestures.
b) Anatomy	i. Prehensile hands and feet: This is common between primates and humans. This enables both to have a strong grip. ii. Flattened face: Both of them have flattened face, with two eyes next to each other. This allows them to have a vision that further helped to have a wider and complete view of the surroundings.

 

Besides the aforementioned similarities, both humans and primates have considerable differences in their behaviour and anatomy.

Points of difference	Mammals or Primates	Humans
Behaviour	i. Communication based on limited sound and gestures only ii. Social groups are based on their survival needs	i. Use advanced communication skills to interact among each other ii. Social groups are based on nationality, culture and other important factors besides survival needs
Anatomy	i. Face is larger than cranium ii. Facial structure a. Flattened nose b. Very large jaws (for eating) c. Thin lips	i. Face is smaller than cranium ii. Facial structure a. Protruding nose b. Flattened jaws c. Large lips (beneficial for facial expressions)