A bonobo (Pan paniscus) is a great ape and one of the two species making up the genus Pan, the other being the common chimpanzee. They are known for their peaceful nature and matriarchal societies.

How are bonobos related to chimpanzees?

Bonobos are closely related to common chimpanzees; they share a common ancestor and are considered sister species. They diverged from chimpanzees about 1 to 2 million years ago and are often called 'pygmy chimpanzees'.

Why is 'CHIMP' a common crossword answer for 'bonobo relative'?

CHIMP (short for chimpanzee) is a common answer because bonobos and common chimpanzees are the two closest living relatives within the Pan genus, sharing a very recent common ancestor. Therefore, a chimpanzee is arguably the most direct 'relative' in a crossword context.

bonobo relative crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "bonobo relative", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find quick solutions, detailed explanations, and helpful tips to conquer this and your next crossword puzzle.

Solutions for "bonobo relative crossword clue" by Letter Count

3 Letters

APE: Bonobos are a type of great ape, making this a general but correct relative.

5 Letters

CHIMP: The most precise and common answer, as bonobos are often referred to as pygmy chimpanzees due to their close genetic and evolutionary ties.

More About "bonobo relative crossword clue"

The clue "bonobo relative" points to a creature that shares a close evolutionary bond with the bonobo. Bonobos (Pan paniscus) are fascinating great apes, often less commonly known than their close cousins, the common chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Both species belong to the genus Pan, highlighting their incredibly close genetic relationship – they share about 98.7% of their DNA with humans!

While both chimpanzees and bonobos are great apes, they exhibit distinct behaviors and social structures. Bonobos are famous for their peaceful, matriarchal societies and their use of sexual behavior to resolve conflicts. Chimpanzees, on the other hand, are known for their more aggressive tendencies and male-dominated hierarchies. Understanding this close but distinct relationship is key to deciphering crossword clues like "bonobo relative," where "CHIMP" is frequently the intended answer due to this direct kinship.

When you encounter clues about animal relatives, especially in the primate family, consider the closest evolutionary branches. Often, crosswords look for the most immediate and well-known link, which in this case points directly to the chimpanzee.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Consider synonyms and broader categories: While "CHIMP" is specific, sometimes the puzzle requires a broader term like "APE" or "PRIMATE." Always check the letter count first!
Look for common wordplay: Crossword constructors love to use synonyms, homophones, or even anagrams. If a direct answer doesn't fit, think creatively about related terms or phrases.
Use context from other clues: Sometimes, solving a surrounding clue can provide letters that help narrow down the possibilities for a tricky one. The interplay between clues is crucial.
Check the puzzle's theme: Some crosswords have a hidden theme. If you notice a pattern in other answers, it might give you a hint for more obscure clues.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bonobos and chimpanzees the same species?

No, bonobos (Pan paniscus) and common chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) are two distinct species within the same genus, Pan. They are considered sister species, meaning they share a very recent common ancestor.

What's the main difference between bonobos and chimpanzees?

Beyond physical distinctions, bonobos are generally more slender, have darker faces, and part their hair in the middle. Behaviorally, bonobos are known for their peaceful, matriarchal societies and frequent use of sexual behavior to mediate social interactions, whereas chimpanzees tend to have more male-dominated, aggressive social structures.

What other animals are closely related to bonobos and chimpanzees?

After bonobos and chimpanzees, the next closest living relatives are gorillas, followed by orangutans. All of these species, including humans, belong to the family Hominidae, commonly known as great apes.