pete,

The question you ask is so broad and so basic. What are the connections between apes and humans? I think it is one that you need to research for yourself. It is easy to Google, but I encourage you to try to get back to original sources and research rather than believing online summaries by people with (sometimes hidden, sometimes obvious) agendas. You can, of course, try Wikipedia on Human Evolution, but follow the links to original books and journal articles.

If you are really only looking for the short answer (which you won't believe, and will only use to pose new time-consuming questions), just read this summary:
http://www.antiquityofman.com/ape-human.html

But, if you really want to delve into it, Arizona State, the BBC and U. Cal. have put together an interactive documentary/website with TONS of info, and many links back to original sources.
http://www.becominghuman.org/

To truly understand the answer to your question, be prepared to do some background learning in genetics, embryology, forensic and cultural anthropology, forensic dentistry, biostratigraphy, radiometric dating, and on and on. It has taken me many years of formal education and a lifetime of reading to arrive at my current understanding. I wish you great luck, and excitement on your intellectual journey. Now get started - you have a lot of work to do.

And thanks again for the polite and fascinating discussion.

Best Regards,

TIA