Assuming that the theory of evolution is true, how is it that apes still exist? Did they choose not to evolve? I am not dismissing the theory just curious as to why they (apes, chimps, etc.) are not extinct, and there is a need to find a missing link that is no long with us. Now, before I get attacked I want to make it clear that I have yet to draw my own conclusion, and I am searching for answers from both sides of the fence (evolution/creation). Thanks in advance!!
2007-07-09 15:25:36 · 10 answers · asked by joe sniffy 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
The apes that exist today have been evolving just as long as anything else.
Things don't "choose" to evolve or not. But they evolve differently. Evolution doesn't go in a linear fashion from "higher to lower" either. Instead, different populations of one species tends to diverge into more than one species over time, and they survive as long as they are capable of utilizing their environment to grow and reproduce. Different populations evolve in different ways.
The apes that were our ancestors are not the same ones that exist today. The ones that exist today are more like cousins, and they are each adapted to their own environment.
The apes of today are, genetically speaking, no more similar to our common ancestors than we are (we infer this based on degrees of similarity different kinds of modern apes have to one another).
Expecting that there should be no other kinds of apes because humans have evolved is like expecting that there should be no rifles once pistols were developed. Modern rifles and pistols both developed from earlier rifle-like guns, but they're both different from the original and serve different functions.
2007-07-09 15:38:50 · answer #1 · answered by Escuerdo 3 · 51⤊ 9⤋
Ok, ok look;
Before you ask that.... (Be nice, be nice damnit) that fu...(now now he was trying to be polite) the way you... (Don't say it! Don't say it!)
Look, before you ask that, the FIRSt thing you need to learn is how Evolution works in the first place. Quite frankly, we don't have much respect for people who don't understand the very basics of Evolution and thinking "choice" has anything to do with it is not helping. So, please learn how it works, THEN ask us more questions.
2015-05-29 06:03:14 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The theory of evolution posits that evolution will happen whenever there is a useful/needed direction to go. We only evolve for purposes. Example: if it got really cold and wolves with thicker fur started living, while the thiner haired died-out, only thicker haired wolves would survive and thus wolves would get thicker fur. You can diverge (evolve in two different directions) if thin-haired wolves were better at surviving someplace else. There, thin-haired wolves might thrive.
Humans and apes have a common anscestor. While both humans and apes still fill a niche, our common anscestor was likely replaced either by apes or humans which filled it better. This actually happened with Darwin's finches. Several birds evolved from a common anscestor. Some adapted to crush large seeds, some to grasp tiny seeds. The one was able to eat large seeds better than the anscestor, the other able to eat tiny seeds better so they both remain, while the common anscestor was out-performed for both food sources, and is no longer.
2007-07-09 19:05:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous 2 · 20⤊ 6⤋
everyones already said what needs to be said.. especially guy # 1 ..
so evolution doesn't happen in a straight line.. it branches out
2007-07-12 15:37:32 · answer #4 · answered by nola_cajun 6 · 23⤊ 6⤋
chlaxman is exactly right. Evolution does not mean replacement. Think of a branch forking.
2007-07-09 15:34:42 · answer #5 · answered by John R 7 · 22⤊ 7⤋
Well first we did not evolve from the current apes, rather we all have a common ancestor. Next, even if we did evolve from modern apes, we do not necessarily compete for resources so both could continue on. Just because a species evolves does not mean that the ancestor becomes extinct.
2007-07-09 15:31:03 · answer #6 · answered by chlaxman17 4 · 42⤊ 10⤋
Assuming that emigration is true, how is it that Europeans still exist? You need to sharpen your thinking a bit. Some great sites were given you; peruse them. Here are a couple more.
http://www.talkorigins.org
http://www.aboutdarwin.com
2007-07-09 15:55:31 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 45⤊ 10⤋
This question has been asked so many times here it's beyond annoying.
Would it kill you to use search? Here, I'll do it for you~
http://answers.yahoo.com/search/search_result;_ylt=AvUWShMNioVXnxaS0gc7vjPpy6IX?p=why+are+there+still+monkeys+apes
2007-07-09 21:26:05 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 32⤊ 16⤋
Just look at Nancy Pelosi and Hillary Clinton they are the missing and weakest link!
2007-07-09 15:40:46 · answer #9 · answered by kiphyn b 3 · 20⤊ 47⤋
I personally don't believe in evolution. That we evolved from apes?! Get real. Would you want to think that one of your relatives swung on vines? Not me. But of course that's my superiority complex speaking.
2007-07-09 15:34:50 · answer #10 · answered by kaylee 2 · 27⤊ 112⤋