General Information

The common chimpanzee is considered our closest living relatives by a majority of the scientific community. From analyzing extensive genetic evidence, it is found that we shared a common ancestor about 6 million years ago. From that point forward however, a divergence took place and led to modern gorillas.

Physical Description

Adults in the wild weigh between 88 and 143 lbs. Males can measure up to 63 inches and females to 51 inches. Although these animals are lighter than humans they can pull five to six times stronger. Its body is covered by a coarse dark brown hair, except for the face, fingers, toes, palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Both of its thumbs and its big toes are opposable, allowing a precision grip. Its gestation period is eight months. Infants are weaned when they are about three years old, but usually maintain a close relationship with their mother for several more years; they reach puberty at the age of eight to ten, and their lifespan in captivity is about fifty years.

Diet

Chimpanzee diets are composed mainly of ripe fruits but vary according to the time of the year and abundance of specific food items. They will spend many hours a day eating about 20 different species of plants and up to about 300 different species during a one year period. They do not store food and will eat it at the place they find it.

Habitat

Common chimpanzees are found in the tropical forests and wet savannas of Western and Central Africa. They once inhabited most of this region, but their habitat has been dramatically reduced in recent years.

Reproduction

The common chimpanzee's gestation period is eight months. Infants are weaned when they are about three years old, but usually maintain a close relationship with their mother for several more years; they reach puberty at the age of eight to ten, and their lifespan in captivity is about fifty years.