Do you think the chimpanzee, gorilla, and humans have a common ancestry? Explain your answer.
Understand the Problem
The question is asking whether chimpanzees, gorillas, and humans share a common ancestry and to explain the reasoning behind this belief based on similarities in biochemical and structural characteristics.
Answer
Chimpanzees, gorillas, and humans share a common ancestor based on genetic and fossil evidence.
Chimpanzees, gorillas, and humans share a common ancestor. Evidence from fossils, proteins, and genetic studies supports this, showing that these species are related. The chimps and humans are more closely related, diverging about six million years ago, while gorillas split around 10 million years ago.
Answer for screen readers
Chimpanzees, gorillas, and humans share a common ancestor. Evidence from fossils, proteins, and genetic studies supports this, showing that these species are related. The chimps and humans are more closely related, diverging about six million years ago, while gorillas split around 10 million years ago.
More Information
The close genetic relationship among chimpanzees, gorillas, and humans is evident due to the high similarity in their DNA. This indicates their evolutionary paths diverged from common ancestors millions of years ago.
Tips
Avoid confusing 'common ancestor' with direct descent. A common ancestor means they shared traits that later evolved differently in each species.
Sources
- Sharing a common ancestor - Australian Museum - australian.museum
- Gorilla Genome and Evolution - National Geographic - nationalgeographic.com
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