what kind of proof can you offer that we evolved from primates?

Answer 1

The main proof I have seen that we are descendants of primates is the duel helix DNA. Homosapiens DNA is 98% the same as primates. That is why a baboon's heart is used in human transplant patients and has a low rejection rate compaired to a pigs or other animals hearts. There is also proof in the fact that their brains are capable of cognitive thought and problem solving. Many other animals rely on instincts...they really do not know why they do what they do but they do it anyway. Primates have mainly learned behaviour traits. I hope this explanation will help you to understand more about us and our genetically close primate friends !!!

Answer 2

Well said, Silas!

And to the asker - I suspect that your question is sincere, because of the way you phrased it. People pushing a religious agenda would usually ask something like "Explain how monkeys turned into humans," or some other such false supposition, which is not what scientists claim, or what evolution is about.

The "theory" of evolution is not questioned or doubted by any reputable biologist. It is a "theory" in the same sense as "number theory" in mathematics. No one doubts the existence of numbers, no objective educated person doubts the existence of evolution.

If you can, try to look at the evidence WITHOUT the prejudice of religious beliefs and evolution is plainly obvious. There's no point in explaining the evidence here, because there is far too much of it and it has already been explained, documented and verified on numerous scientific websites and in countless books.

If you sincerely want proof, and not just an argument or to validate your own beliefs, ignore what you hear from preachers, televangelists, zealous (but uneducated) Christians, and others who are in the business of making money selling books and/or hosting TV and Radio shows. Listen instead to scientists, that great majority of scientists who are reputable and who challenge scientific theory with logic and scientific observation, not with pre-conceived beliefs and religious dogma.

ADDED: "The Optomist" who answered above is a perfect example of the ignorance and ignorant argument I am talking about (by ignorant, I do not mean "stupid" but uninformed). She says "how the devil do they know? Were they there when that occurred?" That is a positive indicator of someone who doesn't know or understand logic or science.

Her story demonstrates that. Because you can't observe something doesn't mean it's not there, or didn't happen. How do we know George Washington was the first President? Were you there? Or the writers who produce history books - were they there? Of course not, but no intelligent person doubts who the first President was. If you see a bunch of burned tree trunks with ashes all around them, even if you or anyone else didn't see it, you can bet there was a fire.

Because no one was there to "see" evolution occur (an incorrect and ignorant supposition in itself) does not mean that it did not occur. I say that is an ignorant statement because people do see and directly observe evolution all the time. That is why we need to keep developing new antibiotics, to fight new strains of bacteria - not strains that magically appeared, but ones that EVOLVED from other strains. And scientists invoke evolutionary changes in fruit flys and other organisms regularly by inducing genetic mutations.

Evolution is a fact, though not all the questions about it are answered. That's what separates science from religious dogma. Science admits that it doesn't have all the facts and continually pursues the truth, new questions and new answers. Religion, including Christianity, purports to already have all the answers and therefore supresses sincere questioning of its tenets and doctrine, including scientific research that doesn't support its own preconceived ideas.

Answer 3

Actually, there is no true answer to this question. Evolution is what we believe occurred by various studies of fossils and the locations they were found and also the age of the fossil. The different types of skulls from primates do not exist in certain time periods; therefore scientist believe that the different types of primates skulls or the same species. just evolved into a more intelligent being because the cranium is larger. BUT WHO KNOWS... Scientist are still finding more evidence to strengthen their beliefs on evolution. It's just a Hypothesis to me.

I understood your question..

Answer 4

Two points:

1.) Science does not prove: it disproves.
2.) Humans are primates.

To rephrase your question, what evidence is there that humans are related to other primates?

1.) Comparative Morphology -- we have the same number and types of organs and bones although they vary a little in shape.

2.) Fossils -- Palaeontologists have discovered fossilized early hominid bones in E. Africa and elsewhere.

3.) Molecular -- Comparisons of DNA and protein sequence reveal evolutionary history. The hemoglobin of humans and chimps is 100% identical. Amazing!

I am disgusted by the religious zealots who have "answered" your question. Although it is their right to be ignorant, it is not their right to intrude upon and disrupt scientific forums. They are the moral equivalent of "dope" pushers lurking outside school grounds.

Answer 5

Humans ARE primates. And we share a common ancestor with all other primates. We know this from the fossil record and genetics.

Answer 6

There isnt proof just a thoery that humans evolved from primates

Answer 7

Your question is worded incorrectly. Humans are primates. So, even if you don't believe in evolution you must concur that all humans come from primates because all humans are primates.

Answer 8

I think you need to redefine your question. Human beings are primates and so you can't say we eveolved from them.

Also, science is not about finding proof to support a theory, but instead, finding proof against a theory.

Answer 9

I highly agree with MT and Marvin... Right on! Sure, we might be mammals and so may they but what does that prove? Hmmfr. Honestly. When scientists insist that we came from primates, how the devil do they know? Were they there when that occurred? I don't think so! And, when they insist, that is just one maybe two's opinion... It's only ever an opinion but when it comes to the Bible - now that's real and there is no one on this blue and green earth who ought to question it. Miracles happen, scientists lie... You must face the truth. And now, I ask you to read this:

Teacher: Tommy do you see the tree outside?
Tommy: Yes.
Teacher: Do you see the grass?
Tommy: Yes.
Teacher: Do you see the sky?
Tommy: Yes, I do.
Teacher: Do you see God up there?
Tommy: No.
Teacher: Well of course not because he's not real.

But little Eleanor want to ask Tommy a couple of questions too. The teacher agreed.

Eleanor: Tommy, do you see the tree outside?
Tommy: Yes, Ellie.
Eleanor: Do you see the grass?
Tommy: YESSSS!
Eleanor: And the sky?
Tommy: YESSSSSSSSS!!
Eleanor: Okay, do you see the teacher?
Tommy: Yes!!
Eleanor: Do you see her brain?
Tommy: No.
Eleanor: Well then, it's just as possible that from what we were taught today, that she doesn't have one!

(You go girl!!)

Answer 10

I love bananas