Where did Humans come from?
It is a well-known fact that we, humans, and apes have originated from common ancestors, millions of years ago. As a result of evolution, several differences in our common ancestral behavioral aspects occurred. It was mostly influenced by nature, which ultimately led to the complete segregation of our common ancestors to specifically humans and apes. Apes are our closest living relatives since anatomically, we are almost similar. We belong to the category of more evolved apes along with chimpanzees, orang-utans, and gorillas. We are just modified ones. There is a separate category of lesser apes including gibbons and siamangs.It does not mean that we have any similarity with monkeys, despite both being primates. The major difference between monkeys and apes (along with humans) is that monkeys have tails, but apes do not.
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Apes
Humanity's closest living relatives are Apes. In fact, humans share about 98% of their DNA with chimpanzees, and thus, people are actually apes. The non-human types of apes are generally divided into two groups: Great Apes- Orangutans, chimpanzees, bonobos, and gorillas and lesser apes siamangs, and gibbons.
Humans
The species that all other living human beings on this planet belong to is Homo Sapiens. Homo Sapiens evolved in Africa during the time of dramatic climate change around 300,000 years ago. Like early humans that were living at this time,they gathered and hunted for food and evolved behaviors that helped them to respond to the challenges of survival in unstable environments.
Difference between Apes and Humans
There are various differences between apes and humans and some of these are very visible. The differences between apes and humans are tabulated as follows.
Humans and apes, along with their differences, share some similarities too. The similarities are discussed below.
Similarities between Apes and Humans
The similarities between apes and humans are as follows.
Apes have bones and muscles similar to humans. Their nervous system works in the same manner as it does in humans.
Humans and apes have the same number of fingers and toes.
The structure of the human female uterus is somewhat similar to a female ape.
Both humans and apes have an almost similar lifespan.
Opposable thumbs are something that humans and apes, both of them have in common.
Although not identical, apes have blood types similar to the human ABO blood group system.
Both female apes and female humans have regular menstrual cycles.
Therefore, these are some of the similarities between apes and humans.
Did you Know?
Chimpanzees share about 98.6% of our DNA. Genetically, they are closer to us than any other primates. You will be surprised to know that they too have emotions, intelligence, and sentiments like us. However, the expansion of the neocortex which happened during primate evolution, contributed a higher cognitive capacity to humans as compared to the other great apes, specifically the chimpanzees. However, assuming that humans did not evolve from chimpanzees would be incorrect. During evolution, while one of the ancestral lines evolved to become the modern chimpanzees, the other line evolved into the form of early humans and eventually, resulted in Homo sapiens, which is the present us. That is why we share somewhat similar physical features due to common ancestry.
Conclusion
The theory of Man’s evolution from Apes is pretty fascinating. It’s almost like reading a novel that takes you back and forth in time. Survival of the fittest is a tried and trusted phenomenon. Well, Darwin’s theory of Evolution got nothing on Apes. Read it through for a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
FAQs on Difference Between Ape and Man
1. What are the primary differences between an ape and a man in terms of physical characteristics?
The primary physical differences between apes and humans (man) stem from adaptations for different modes of locomotion and cognitive development. Key distinctions include:
- Posture and Locomotion: Humans have an erect posture and exhibit bipedal locomotion (walking on two legs). Apes typically practice quadrupedalism or brachiation (swinging) and have a semi-erect or stooped posture.
- Cranial Capacity: The human braincase is significantly larger, with an average cranial capacity of about 1350 cc. Apes have a much smaller capacity, typically ranging from 320 to 480 cc.
- Spine: Humans possess an S-shaped spine which helps support the body's weight during upright walking. Apes have a simpler, C-shaped or slightly curved spine.
- Pelvis and Feet: The human pelvis is broad and bowl-shaped to support internal organs and attach leg muscles for walking. An ape's pelvis is longer and narrower. Human feet have an arch for bipedal movement, whereas ape feet have an opposable big toe for grasping.
2. What are the key skeletal differences between an ape and a human?
The skeletal structures of apes and humans show clear differences related to their lifestyles. The most significant skeletal differences are:
- Foramen Magnum: In humans, the foramen magnum (the opening for the spinal cord) is positioned at the base of the skull, which balances the head for an upright posture. In apes, it is located more towards the back of the skull.
- Jaw and Dentition: Humans have a smaller, U-shaped jaw with smaller canines. Apes have a more prominent, rectangular-shaped jaw with large, sharp canines used for defence and display.
- Arms and Legs: In apes, the arms are longer than the legs, which is an adaptation for climbing and swinging (brachiation). In humans, the legs are longer than the arms, which is an adaptation for efficient bipedal walking and running.
3. Do humans share a common ancestor with modern apes?
Yes, scientific evidence from fossils and genetics confirms that humans and modern apes share a common ancestor that lived millions of years ago. It is a common misconception that humans evolved from modern chimpanzees or gorillas. Instead, the evolutionary lineage split. One branch led to the evolution of hominins, including modern humans (Homo sapiens), while other branches evolved into the various species of great apes we see today.
4. How does the DNA of humans and chimpanzees compare?
Humans and chimpanzees share approximately 98% of their DNA, making them our closest living relatives. This high degree of genetic similarity indicates a recent common ancestor. The 2% difference, while seemingly small, accounts for significant variations in gene expression that control development, particularly in the brain. These genetic differences are responsible for the distinct traits that define humans, such as advanced cognitive abilities, complex language, and upright posture.
5. Why was the evolution of bipedalism so important for human ancestors?
The evolution of bipedalism, or walking on two legs, was a crucial turning point in human evolution for several reasons. It offered significant adaptive advantages, such as:
- Freeing the Hands: Walking upright freed the hands from locomotion, allowing our ancestors to carry food, care for infants, and, most importantly, create and use complex tools.
- Improved Vision: An erect posture provided a better vantage point over tall grasses on the savanna, helping to spot predators and locate resources.
- Energy Efficiency: Bipedal walking is more energy-efficient for covering long distances compared to the knuckle-walking of apes, which was advantageous for foraging in a widespread environment.
6. If humans evolved from ape-like ancestors, why do apes still exist today?
This is a common question that stems from a misunderstanding of how evolution works. Evolution is not a single, linear progression but a branching process. The population of common ancestors did not all turn into humans. Instead, this ancestral population diverged into several different groups that adapted to different environments. One lineage evolved into hominins and eventually modern humans, while other lineages evolved into the species we know today as chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans. Therefore, apes exist today because they are part of a separate, successful evolutionary branch.
7. What is the main difference between an ape and a monkey?
While both are primates, there are clear distinctions between apes and monkeys. The most prominent difference is that apes do not have tails, whereas most monkey species do. Additionally, apes are generally larger, have a broader chest, and possess a more complex brain and cognitive abilities compared to monkeys. Apes, including humans, are more closely related to each other than they are to monkeys.
