Monkeys

[4getmenot]

If man evolved from monkeys and apes, why are there still monkeys and apes?

[andy-hughes]

Because man and apes decended from the same primeval ape species, so we are related to modern species of apes, not decended from them.

[felinechums]

Why shouldn't there still be monkeys and apes? In the same way that there are different species of felines (lions, tigers, pumas, leopards, cheetahs etc), there are different species of primates, also evolved from common ancestors. The species of primate that became homo sapiens evolved in a different way from (for example) the species that became chimpanzees or gorillas, with the most profound evolutionary change in homo sapiens having occurred in the brain. So man evolved his specialist abilities alongside the other primates, but descended from common ancestors. This brings me back to my original question - why shouldn't there still be monkeys and apes? Just because man evolved in the way he did does not mean that other primates could not evolve in different ways. Similarly with cats - some are built for speed and hunting (cheetah), some for lying on my bed (domestic shorthair). The existence of one type does not preclude the existence of the other type.

[4getmenot]

My question had nothing about there shouldnt be monkeys and apes. I just said why are there? Thanks andy-hughes, I can always count on you. :-)

[andy-hughes]

You are most welcome.

[felinechums]

Try not to be so touchy 4getmenot. The word "shouldn't" was intended to convey the evolutionary likelihood that several species could evolve simultaneously from the same set of ancestors. It was not intended to be a comment on your beliefs.

I hope the answer was helpful, even if it wasn't appreciated.

[4getmenot]

Was appreciated and I got your point, using the cat theory made me understand, Ta :-)