Humans are most closely related to _________.

Options

A. Marsupial
B. Lemur
C. Chimpanzees
D. Tarsier

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks about the closest relative of humans among a list of options.

2. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Marsupials**: These are mammals that give birth to underdeveloped young, which then continue to develop in a pouch (marsupium). Examples include kangaroos. Humans have a more developed placenta, making marsupials less closely related to humans.
- **Lemurs**: Lemurs are considered non-primates and do not have a menstrual cycle, which is a characteristic of primates. Therefore, they are not closely related to humans.
- **Chimpanzees**: Chimpanzees are primates and share a significant amount of genetic material with humans. They have a similar reproductive cycle (menstrual cycle) and their chromosome structure is closely related to that of humans. Research indicates that humans and chimpanzees share about 97% of their DNA.
- **Tarsiers**: Tarsiers are also classified as non-primates and do not share the same evolutionary lineage as humans.

3. **Comparing Genetic Similarity**: The genetic comparison shows that chimpanzees have 48 chromosomes, while humans have 46. Despite this difference, the high percentage of DNA similarity indicates a close evolutionary relationship.

4. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, chimpanzees are the closest relatives to humans among the given options.

**Final Answer**: Humans are most closely related to **Chimpanzees**.

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