Wild chimpanzees have been found to possess significant genetic adaptations based on their varied habitats across Africa, including tropical rainforests and savannahs.
Research conducted by examining genetic data from 388 wild chimpanzees across 18 African countries revealed adaptations related to local pathogens, notably malaria.
Forest-dwelling chimpanzees exhibited changes in genes linked to disease resistance, mirroring adaptations seen in humans.
The study highlights conservation concerns, emphasizing the need to protect genetic diversity to enhance adaptive potential in response to climate change.
The findings from this research, published in the journal Science, stress the importance of understanding genetic variations for future conservation strategies.