If evolution is true... then why?

Question

Why do we not have "half-monkeys" walking around? Why has everyone COMPLETELY evolved if they are not a monkey, yet there are still monkeys?

I am not religious and believe more in science, but I just wonder these things.

Answer 1

The answer is actually quite simple:

A species (like humans) evolves *as a whole*.

Think about it. As long as there are no permanent boundaries between members of a species, then any change that affects one population of a species, will eventually spread throughout the entire species through interbreeding. So its not like one population can keep monkey-like features and another become more human ... as long as they are the same *species* (by definition, they are able to mate and produce fertile offspring), they are sharing genetics, and any characteristics that benefit the species, will spread throughout the entire population. There can be regional differences (such as ethnic differences) ... but these are relatively minor compared to the huge differences between (say) monkeys and humans.

Now that's as long as there are no permanent boundaries. If a boundary *does* occur (e.g. a river cutting through a valley, or a continent dividing) ... then the species can split into two subpopulations ... and if that separation is long enough (say several hundred thousand years), then the two populations lose the ability to interbreed. At that point, the separation is *permanent* ... they have branched into *TWO SPECIES*.

At that point, each of the two species will continue to evolve *AS A WHOLE*. The two species (by definition) can never interbreed with each other ... so you will never get any "half-monkeys" once that split has occurred.

But ... you ask ... what about monkeys and apes? Why did they stop evolving? Answer: They absolutely did NOT stop evolving. Monkeys and apes are not "unevolved humans" ... they are fully evolved monkeys and apes. They are just as different from our common ancestor with them as we are different from that ancestor.

Each of the hundreds of ape and monkey species is the result of some branching event. Many many branching events each producing a species that lives and multiplies *AS A WHOLE* ... until it branches again ... and again.

So a species has to do one of three things:
1) Evolve as a single species (all members having roughly the same characteristics);
2) Branch into two or more species;
3) Go extinct.

But what *CANNOT* happen is that
(a) Some members of a species continue reproducing but stop evolving; or
(b) Members of two different branches interbreeding (humans and monkeys can't interbreed even if they wanted to)

... so that's why there are no "half-monkeys".

I hope that helps.

Answer 2

It's not like we came directly from monkeys, but more that we both came from the same pool. All of the lesser species, and versions of the surviving species, dies out many millions of years ago, but we're still ever evolving. Look at all of the different races.

In another few million years, people will look back at us and see us as those "half-monkeys". The only thing that may prevent this is that we've overcome many of the methods that make species evolve. We don't let the weak die, and we treat disease and injury. We can't look back because they hadn't invented methods of documenting themselves.

Answer 3

Here is the thing to remember. Monkeys have been evolving just as long as we have. Modern monkeys and modern humans share common ancestors, but have since continued evolving to adapt to different environments. Neither species has gone extinct, and both live in environments for which they are well suited. Put me in the amazon and a monkey in my apartment, and neither of us would do very well.

The half-monkey designation, I think, depends on your definition. australopithecus afarensis looks very monkeylike and also quite humanlike, which exposes its evolutionary niche as a transition between humans and the more furry primates.

Answer 4

Competition for land and resources, every species/type of monkey has an environmental/food specialization, humans have theirs. The half monkeys/transitional types died out as more efficient models where produced.

Answer 5

So do I.. But in a way, monkeys are related to humans; I don't think they were once monkeys, they were just in the same family.

Answer 6

Shoot girl, I don't tink my greatgran pappy was nuttin but what God made him but i do b leave I am the 1/2 monkey u spoke of! Can I git dat 1/2 a banana off u now? thx! :p

Answer 7

The real answer is that populations evolve, individuals do not, as they are selected. So, you do not get half and half any thing. Go here and be educated on this point.

http://www.talkorigins.org

Answer 8

Our ancestors were more ape-like. They became extinct.
Different species do not interbreed or produce fertile offspring. That is why you can not get half chimp, half orangutan.

Answer 9

Einstein was trying to "think the way God does" all his life and, as you know, came to some spectacular conclusions.
I don't think science and religion are in contradiction.
Both are trying do describe the world and figure out the "governing dynamics". Neither is comprehensive.
One thing is good: evrything is possible to the one who believes :)))
Have faith and God bless!

Answer 10

thats real problem that why not 1/2 monkey-1/2 human? u have a point rather.