2% Human

Scientists often cite the statistic that humans and chimpanzees are 98% genetically similar. This reveals - perhaps shockingly - that there is "only" a 2% difference between chimps and humans. Now, I understand the value of genetic analysis, but isn't there some harm in slapping a number on something like this? I know two percent sounds like nothing... But, obviously, this "little" difference matters in some important ways! The question I have is this: how do we characterize the similarities and differences between us and other animals in a meaningful way?