Lifeblood: A man and a monkey… both have cool beards (politics aside). Doung – contemplating roots, walls and pathways. Downtown Durban

Placing the controversial socio-political debates about this comparison aside and focussing on a purely scientific perspective, man and monkey are extremely similar.  These similarities can be seen with all other mammals. 

An important gene which sets humans and other large apes apart from other mammals is the PLEKHG6 gene, allowing for greater aspects of brain development.  Boasting the largest amount of change to this gene, gives rise to our ability as humans, to think about things at a deeper level and problem solve.

Further resources:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121106201124.htm
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/12/181206120047.htm