1. Chimpanzees: These are our closest living relatives, sharing about 98.7% of our DNA. They exhibit complex social structures, use tools, and have a high level of intelligence.
2. Bonobos: Another great ape, bonobos share roughly 98.7% of our DNA with us. They are known for their peaceful and playful nature, and their social interactions are often described as being more egalitarian than chimpanzees.
3. Gorillas: While slightly further down the evolutionary tree, gorillas still share about 98.3% of our DNA. They are known for their strength, their complex social structures, and their use of tools in the wild.
It's important to remember that even though these animals are our closest relatives, they are still distinct species with their own unique adaptations and characteristics.