If chimpanzee and human genomes differ only about 1.3% at the level of DNA base pairs, how might we explain the dramatic differences in appearance, behavior, cultures, and so on between humans and chimps?
A) There is a correlation between increased rates of divergence with known functions of alleles in humans and chimps.
B) Natural selection has been acting on clusters of genes associated with both survival and reproduction in humans and chimps.
C) Important differences exist in the expression of genes in humans and chimps.
D) Humans and chimps have been diverging from each other for much longer than they have with other primates.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The key to explaining the differences between humans and chimps lies in the expression of their genes. Although the DNA base pairs are very similar, there are significant differences in how genes are regulated and expressed in these two species. For example, genes involved in brain development, which are responsible for the distinct cognitive abilities of humans, are expressed differently in the human brain compared to the chimp brain. This differential expression of genes can account for the dramatic differences in appearance, behavior, culture, and other traits between humans and chimps.

If Chimpanzee and Human Genomes Differ Only About 1