Genes in the Wild: The Secret to Chimpanzee Survival

By: Haley Lussier, Madison Navega, and Madison Warren (Stonehill College, BIO323: Evolution, Spring 2025)

Did you know humans are most closely related to chimpanzees? Chimpanzees are remarkably diverse in their adaptation to different habitats, just like we are. Whether you are from Australia or the United States, your population can adapt to the habitat you are in. One cannot deny that change affects habitats, species, and the planet as a whole. Conservation biology has become a vital field for understanding and preserving biodiversity. One key concept in this field is local genetic adaptation, which ensures a species is well-suited to its environment and retains the potential to adapt over time. The recent Science article “Local genetic adaptation to habitat in wild chimpanzees,” by Dr. Harrison Ostridge and 73 coauthors, investigates the differences in the genetic makeup of wild chimpanzee populations to look for evidence that these differences provide an advantage in different environments. Dr. Ostridge completed this research as part of his Ph.D. dissertation at University College London, where he focused on population genomics and its relationship to disease adaptation.

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Chimpanzees are an endangered and protected species, which can pose challenges when conducting research. The scientists used non-invasive ways to measure genetic adaptations. They collected fecal samples from hundreds of chimpanzees living in different environments and used them to sequence the full exome (the portion of the genome that codes for proteins) of the chimps. This allowed them to look at small genetic differences called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which are small changes in a single base pair of DNA. To reduce potential errors, they used statistical analyses known as genotypic likelihoods, which rely on probability to compare how often certain gene variations appear in different chimpanzee populations. By standardizing these genetic data, the team was able to pinpoint which traits were linked to specific environments. They also added environmental data to their analysis to better understand why these genetic differences exist. One key factor they looked at was forest-tree-percentage, a variable that clearly distinguishes different habitats. This study opened up exciting new ways to explore how protected species like chimpanzees genetically adapt to their environments, all by analyzing something as unexpected as chimpanzee poop!

Chimpanzees have adapted to live in a wide variety of environments, and much of that is due to selective pressures – factors in their habitats that drive genetic changes over time. These pressures help explain why chimpanzees are found in a wide variety of regions. A key part of this adaptation involved single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which are small variations in DNA that were previously mentioned. These small differences can give chimps an advantage in certain environments, such as better resistance to disease or a more efficient use of resources. In addition, the study found clear genetic differences between chimpanzee populations, suggesting that some genes are environment-specific and can help chimps survive better in particular types of environments.

Unfortunately, one major cause of population decline within chimpanzees is pathogens and disease. Often, these diseases, which are usually caused by viruses or bacteria, can jump from species to species, which can occur between humans and chimpanzees and poses a serious threat to their survival. Although this is frightening, chimpanzees have developed genetic adaptations to cope with potential pathogens within their environments. These adaptations are vital to understand and protect as they assist with the species’s long-term survival. Studying chimpanzees has already assisted scientists in learning more about human evolution and medicine as well. The genetic changes that help chimpanzees survive in different habitats can reveal how our own ancestors may have evolved and how we may be better able to prevent the spread of disease.

It is indisputable that climate change is a precursor to the destruction of habitats, species, and the planet. Local genetic adaptation is pivotal for confirming how well a species is adapted to its habitat and if they are able to maintain adaptive potential. Dr. Ostridge and colleagues determined the differences in the genetic makeup of wild chimpanzee populations that provide an advantage in their specific environment. This research found thatthere were genetic differences in their DNA, showing that genetic adaptation has occurred. Overall, this supports chimpanzee evolution and their competency to adapt to their distinct environment.

The key takeaway is the need to protect all aspects of nature, especially animals. Chimpanzees possess the ability to increase fitness due to genetic adaptation or selective pressures. They are adapted to their environments, but diseases from external forces (human presence) are the largest threat to their survival. Chimpanzees, our closest living relatives, can provide valuable information about the future of humans. Their protection is not only important but mandatory. It is fundamental that we all take on the role of conservation biologists by advocating for nature’s protection rather than extinction.

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Article: Ostridge, H.J., C. Fontsere, E. Lizano, et al. 2025. Local genetic adaptation to habitat in wild chimpanzees. Science 387: 153. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adn7954