5 Unexpected Genetic Links That Unite a Person with Something Interesting (6 photos)

A common view is that humans are the crowning glory of creation, and that they occupy a position of supremacy over all other earthly creatures.





In the grand scheme of human history, our knowledge of evolution and natural selection is a relatively new development. But this knowledge has allowed us to learn more about our past as a species than ever before. Now, thanks to DNA sequencing - determining the sequence of nucleotides (base links) in the DNA molecule - we can see how closely humans are related to virtually every other living thing on our planet. Beyond the obvious connection to apes, humans are closely related to some very interesting animals... and more.

1. Our most loyal friends share 84% of our DNA



This close relationship makes dogs especially useful for studying diseases like cataracts and retinal diseases, which affect both humans and dogs.

2. Humans and bananas are not related, but we were once one





Thanks to millions of years of evolution, bananas and humans now share only 50% of the same DNA. However, this is quite strange, since it confirms that humans and bananas share a common ancestor.

3. Identical genes in humans and birds are rare



Unless we're talking about chickens. Humans and chickens share 65% of their genes.

4. The connection to these creatures is not only in derogatory phraseology



Pigs suffer from the same genetic disorders and protein dysfunctions that cause diseases like obesity, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's in humans. This relationship makes pigs ideal for research and infectious diseases like influenza.

5. Have you ever wondered why mice are used as test animals in labs?



Because mice and humans share 90% of the same DNA sequence.