What Separates Us from Chimps? As It Turns Out, Not Much

Complete video at: http://fora.tv/2011/02/15/Robert_Sapolsky_Are_Humans_Just_Another_Primate

Neurologist Robert Sapolsky explores the genetic differences between humans and chimps, and describes the few genes that make our species unique. Our two species share over ninety-eight percent of the same genes, with only one major trait separating us from other primates: an abundance of neurons in the brain.

"Take a chimp brain fetally and let it go two or three more rounds of division and you get a human brain instead," says Sapolsky. "And, out come symphonies, ideologies and hopscotch."

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Dr. Robert Sapolsky discusses his work as professor of biology and neurology at Stanford University and as a research associate with the Institute of Primate Research at the National Museum of Kenya. His enviable gift for storytelling led the New York Times to print, "If you crossed Jane Goodall with a borscht-belt comedian, she might have written a book like A Primate's Memoir." Dr. Sapolsky's account of his early years as a field biologist. He is sure to dazzle and delight with tales of what it means to be human. - California Academy of Sciences

Dr. Robert Sapolsky is a professor of Biology and Neurology at Stanford University. He is a research associate at the National Museums of Kenya. Dr. Sapolsky is the author of several works of nonfiction, including A Primate's Memoir, The Trouble with Testosterone, Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers and Monkeyluv: And Other Essays on Our Lives as Animals.

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[BJ219]

I've watched this about 10 times already.

[EdgePitSwing]

Holy Shit... This man has mastered the English language.

[144jr144]

Basically, other than a few relatively minor differences, the biggest genetic difference between humans and other primates is the longer gestation period (during pregnancy) which allows for a much more extensive neurological development prior to birth. That's intriguing. What would happen with 10 month pregnancies or even 13 month pregnancies (in utero or otherwise)?

[3AJBNE]

@EdgePitSwing HE IS AN AMERICAN !! OF CURSE HE MASTERED IT SINCE HE WAS A KID

[croncong]

Nice Video That You Share , So Very Nice Thanks You Neurologist Robert Sapolsky explores the genetic differences between humans and chimps, and describes the few genes that make our species unique

[fitnesus]

I Really Like The Video From Your Neurologist Robert Sapolsky explores the genetic differences between humans and chimps, and describes the few genes that make our species unique.

[Lius525]

@chevyGamul because inteligence is not something only humans have, - gorillas and chimpanzee's tought by early age can learn sign language and very smart ones have IQ around 60-70. From what I know from classical genetics, inteligence is something that can be increased/decreased over generations and humans practicised their brains atleast for 100 thousand years - yes it made us different, but majorly? I don't think so.

[gblueslover2]

@Lius525 In some ways, they are more rational, for certain.

[LendMeYourHand]

flat foot verses curling tongue = WW3.  Memory banks verses emotional cognition = WW3 Right hemisphere verses Left hemisphere = WW3.

[LendMeYourHand]

Maybe starting off with the BIG LIE. That chimps are neanderthal gene. And that the gorilla is the cromagnun. Then when we look at people around us, we can see the BLATANT truth in the "brow ridge." As the agressive chimps rule our world. And the shamanic gorilla with psionic abilities are overwhelmed by the madmen ruling our world. I just have one thing to say. B+ be positive. The better genetics will surface with the help of mothernature.

[youmonkey36]

@thornung01 I find it very ironic that this is the message I got when I tried that link.

500 Internal Server Error

Sorry, something went wrong.

A team of highly trained monkeys has been dispatched to deal with this situation.

[Smileyo1234]

That was beautiful