there could be different ways to measure such a thing than just the limited comprehension of DNA that we have. humans don't understand DNA very well because if we did then we would already be genetically modifying ourselves and other things a lot more than we currently are.
The fact that we
already can modify ourselves and other things to
any extent, shows that we understand DNA a LOT better then you are willing to admit.
Also, there's also all the rest that we are now able to do with DNA... like determine if your dad is your actual biological dad and how closely related you are to any other random human (or other animal).
why are chimps so much stronger than human beings?
We inhabit very different niches in which we live very different lives. We have no use for such strength. Chimps do.
So the answer is: difference in selection pressures.
why are human beings much smarter than chimps?
Same as above. Selection pressures: different habitats, different niches.
It's also worth noting, btw, that several studies have shown that the actual difference in intelligence isn't as big as humans like to think.
In fact, one such study concluded with a bit of irony that the reason we are so smart later in life is because we are dumber earlier in life............
There was this experiment they did with a transparant box with children (both humans and chimps). In the first test, the box was completely covered in black paint, so that it wasn't transparent. The test subject was shown a series of movements and manipulations. At the end of the series, a piece of candy dropped out of the box.
Both humans and chimps quickly picked up these movements and very soon both were doing it to get candy. Humans didn't pick up faster or slower then the chimps.
In the second test, the same box was given only this time it was transparent. Being transparent, it was obvious that easily half the movements that were shown previously, didn't help the process at all! They were completely unecessary.
Chimps were given the box and
instantly they stopped doing the unecessary movements.
Humans didn't! The human children continued to do as they were thought, eventhough it was just a waste of time and energy.
And that's actually the main difference between us.......
We engage in unecessary trivia. We blindly do what we are told. We learn everything from our elders, including things that seem unecessary. And we don't question. We just do and learn and remember.
All this piles up in knowledge later in life, which we then apply. Chimps only learn what they really really need to know. We learn everything. Almost seemingly just for the sake of learning.
human creativity is on a completely different level than anything chimps or bonobos have ever done
So?
Cheetah's speeds is on a completely different level as well.
I don't see how it matters. Every species will have traits unique to them. It's kind of what makes them a seperate species.....
humans alter the world as much as nature does, chimps don't.
However, chimps DO manufacture and use tools. And they do so purposefully. They literally "plan" their tool use. They go to one spot to gather the material required, manipulate it into the tool they need, then they move to another spot where they use said tool.
Essentially, that is exactly what we do - only on a more primitive level.
this kind of measurement is a distance that is further away than a 96% or 98%.
As I showed above, not really....
The expression of these differences might seem very big, but the actual difference at bottom isn't nearly as big.
I think the DNA argument of 98% the same is a lie
So, how credibly do you think this is.... to accuse the entire biology community of being liars?
There's nothing to think through. It's an objective measurement.
there is a vast gulf between humans and chimps
It's much smaller then you think it is.
. on some levels it's probably not a lie, I don't really know how exactly they go about measuring and comparing it
In that case, maybe.... just MAYBE, you should learn about it before feeling qualified to argue against it???
but it is obvious that a few supposed minor differences create huge differences.
Again, not that huge if we get down to it.