Sunday, May 19, 2013

This bonobo ape almost looks like a human ape. A bit more hairy but very wise.

Along with the common chimpanzee, the bonobo is the closest extant relative to humans. Because the two species are not proficient swimmers, the formation of the Congo River 1.5–2 million years ago possibly led to the speciation of the bonobo. They live south of the river, and thereby were separated from the ancestors of the common chimpanzee, which live north of the river. There are no concrete data on population numbers, but the estimate is between 29,500 and 50,000 individuals. The species is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is threatened by habitat destruction and human population growth and movement, though commercial poaching is the most prominent threat. It typically lives 40 years in captivity, though its lifespan in the wild is unknown.
Bonobo apes are closely related to chimpanzee apes. Their common ancestor lived about two million years ago. They are also closely related to us. Our common ancestor lived about six million years ago. DNA sequencing has repeatedly shown these evolutionary relationships are true.

Look at this guy. Look deeply at his face. I'm seeing a very human like creature in there.

What a disaster if these priceless apes were wiped out. If there's only 30,000 left that's too close to extinction.

Habitat destruction and poaching are terrible crimes. If it was up to me the penalty would be death. Just kill the assholes who harm our closest relatives.

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