(1) Six years ago I jumped at an opportunity to join the international team that was identifying the sequence of DNA bases, or "letters, " in the genome of the common chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes).

(2) The parallels between Homo sapiens and Pan troglodytes are deep and numerous, we now know – thanks to Goodall.

(3) The identity of MIP-3 gene in Homo sapiens, Pan troglodytes and Mcacaca mulatta was high, but low in Canis and lowest in Bos taurus.

(4) Goodall's subsequent observations found that not only did Pan troglodytes – the chimpanzee – make and use tools but that our nearest evolutionary cousins embraced, hugged, and kissed each other.

(5) Researchers led by Beatrice Hahn of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, United States, found evidence of a virus called SIVcpzPtt in the chimpanzee subspecies Pan troglodytes troglodytes.

(6) Each of those discoveries further narrowed the perceived gap of intelligence and culture between Homo sapiens and Pan troglodytes.

(7) Well, that would be an insult to the familiar common chimp, Pan troglodytes, which actually grows up pretty fast.