this post was submitted on 15 Dec 2024
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Homo sapiens are the last remaining species of hominina. Our closest remaining relatives, the Pan (chimpanzees and bonobos) diverged at least 6.5 million years ago. Though there is some evidence early hominina may have interbred with pan after the divergence as recently as 4 mya.
This is more recent than dogs and foxes by a long way, and about the same as donkeys and horses. That, plus chromosomal analysis and some other research suggests it could be possible for a human and chimp or bonobo to interbreed, though likely not create fertile offspring. However, there has never been a confirmed case of this occurring, despite multiple claims.
Edit: useful articles:
Pretty sure that we can't breed with chimps and generate a fertile offspring due the mismatch on the number of chromosomes.
Doesn't HIV come from chimps too? Not knowing too much about it, I would imagine that presents some challenges.