One of my favorite songs is Beck's Loser. The first line of the song is: In the time of chimpanzees I was a monkey. It sounds fairly nonsensical, but given what anthropologists have learned about human evolution, the lyric is very fitting for the song. As well, it is very pertinent to the topic I am going to discuss. There is a popular notion that humans evolved from monkeys, but this notion is very false. I repeat: HUMANS DID NOT EVOLVE FROM MONKEYS! To understand where this notion comes from, one must first understand how evolutionary relationships are understood and tracked. Scholars understand these relationships through a system known as taxonomy, a system of classification based on similarities and differences of species (Feder and Park). You can think of taxonomy as a family tree that identifies the relationships among species, with those farther up the classification scheme being more distantly related than those closer to the bottom.
Carolus Linnaeus is considered the father of taxonomy as he is responsible for creating the first taxonomic categories (Class, Order, Genus, Species). This original taxonomy was expanded to include Kingdom, Phylum, and Family later. All organisms are placed within this taxonomy based on their evolutionary relationships to the remainder. The full taxonomic classification for human beings is as follows:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Primata
(Suborder: Anthropoidea)
(Infraorder: Catarrhini: Apes-e.g. Chimpanzees and Gorillas-& Humans)
Family: Hominidae
Genus: Homo
Species: Sapiens
Humans, apes, and all non-human primates share a common ancestor, yes, if we look at all of these species collectively under the order Primata (hence why we're all primates). But this common ancestor is the equivalent of saying that you're closely related to anyone descended from your great-grand parent(s). Not sure about you, but I usually refer to those individuals as second cousins and we never exchange gifts at family holidays (not even cards). Hardly close family.
Within the order Primata are suborders and infraorders. The human evolutionary lineage branches into the Anthropoidea suborder and the Catarrhini infraorder, which demonstrates a close evolutionary relationship with apes such as chimpanzees and gorillas, but NOT a direct evolution from them. Catarrhini species share several characteristics in common, such as similar number of types of teeth (e.g. molars and premolars), closely spaced and downward facing nostrils, and sexual dimorphism (body size differences based on sex), which again demonstrates a close relationship.
Humans (Homo sapiens) branched off from other non-human primates around 5 million years ago when the family Hominidae was formed (further distancing us, humans, from our non-human primate cousins). Scholars still haven't figured out the exact species that started the Hominidae family (the founding father or mother so to speak), although there are several contenders (a discussion for a different blog post). But what is certain is that we are not descended from monkeys, although we are related to them somewhere distant in our "family tree".
So based on this information if we look back at the Beck song and the line: "In the time of chimpanzees I was a monkey," it may be a little more clear as to why Beck was referring to himself as a monkey in the time of chimpanzees, although many anthropologists would be loathe to call all other nonhuman primates losers.
39 comments:
Thank you for breaking down this topic in the way that you have. I often have very spirited conversations with my step-grandmother about the topic of evolution Vs creationism. Her argument against evolution always being that there is no way that we descended from apes. I tried to explain that just because someone told her that evolution means that we evolved from apes, doesn't mean that they know what they're talking about. Now, I can explain it in a simple, understandable way.
Good luck with that. I actually had an ex-friend read this and get into a heated debate with me about how I'm wrong in this post. Funny thing was that he didn't study biology or any biology based courses in undergrad. Hence why I say best of luck because he was a devout atheist.
This does make more since. Its like the cladogram, both humans and monkeys came from a common ancestor, but we branched out at different times. So we did not evolve from them, its more like we both evolved from a common ancestor.
Yes, because we did. That common ancestor is addressed in another post. :)
this post has helped me learn more about the evolution theory on where we come from and open my eyes about how we evolved from our common ancestors and not monkeys
Exactly the point of this post. :)
1. I love that song I listen to it at least once a week.
2. Where does Lucy fall on the tree in relation to us, I ask cause I've heard of her referred to as our genetic eve and I was just wondering where that put her in comparison to our modern place in the order?
Lucy is a specimen belonging to the species Australopithecus afarensis. Australopithecines are part of our hominid/human ancestors. They are the genus the precedes the Homo genus, which we, as humans, belong to. Australopithecines are identified as being part of the human lineage based on shape changes to the hips and upper legs, which allowed for two leg walking. Species of the Homo genus are characterized by an increase in brain size after the shape changes in the hips and legs were permanent. We'll discuss Australopithecine & Homo species in Chapters 13 & 14, which are after the midterm. You can learn more about various aspects of human evolution through the various blog posts that are associated with that chapter in the Canvas modules or through perusing the blog posts at your leisure.
Oh okay thanks!
That actually really cleared that up for me
Interesting blog. Taxonomy is a more complex classification system than most people believe. I was one of those individuals who before entering Anthropology class believed we descended from monkeys. I also believed we were direct descendent from Lucy.
While we're not descended from monkeys (although we do share a common ancestor) Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis) is in our family tree, so to speak. Are humans (Homo sapiens) directly descended from afarensis? Maybe, maybe not. But we're very closely related to Australopithecines as they are the species that eventually gave rise to the genus Homo and then us, Homo sapiens.
I know that humans have yet to find the missing link to 'our' hominid ancestors, but is there a close link found between hominids and any of our old or new world apes and monkey's at all? I've always thought we have evolved from monkey's and apes over time but the meaning of, "why are there still monkey's and ape's present this day than" made me wonder, but now I understand that we shared an common ancestor down the timeline.
John Kim
Antho 1002
John,
Do you mean modern or premodern old/new world primates? You should be able to answer that question yourself with the information provided in Chapter 12 of your text and in the notes. What are your thoughts? Once I receive clarification then I can & will answer your question. :)
This has clarified some things but left with questions unanswered such as who was our common ancestor? What evolutionary changes occurred to make us [humans] separate from them [monkeys]? Did geographical location result in a separating of the species? Were we transplanted by aliens? lol that was a joke. So if we did not evolve from monkeys, who or what did we evolve from? Very thought provoking.
Q: "who was our common ancestor?"
A: We don't quite know, although an Ardipithecus species seems to be most likely based on the current evidence. More evidence being found will aid in clarifying the current debates that exist about our common ancestor (aka the missing link).
Q: "What evolutionary changes occurred to make us [humans] separate from them [monkeys]?"
A: If you recall from class one of the biggest diverging factors is bipedalism, and there are several hypotheses out there regarding why bipedalism evolved. Many of these hypotheses are linked to changing environmental factors.
Q: " Did geographical location result in a separating of the species?"
A: I believe so as the African environment where we currently find the earliest known hominid species (species in the genus Australopithecus) was changing, and that is cited as one of the primary causes for the evolution of bipedalism.
Q: " who or what did we evolve from?"
A: That's what we're trying to figure out. Who the missing link is. :)
I still am a little unclear about the sub order and infra order and since the time has passed for extra credit this is just for my own knowledge type of a question
Nikki Meeko
Suborder and infraorder refer to smaller classifications within the level of order of the Linnean taxonomy. Another way to look at it-IN A VERY LOOSE WAY-is toy breeds of dogs (for order), followed by Sheltie (for suborder), and Blue Merle coloring (for infraorder). I hope that helps.
So i get that we are not Apes , but we do have common ancestors. So what caused us to take that evolutionary leap to split off from the Apes? Were we chased out of our homeland by lack of resources? Why did we move or why do we have wonder lust? Apes for the most part remained in the same geographical area over the millennium's and did not branch out. Could this be the reason we are very different from them in how we walk and have progressed in our minds and physical aspects?
Yes, we do share a common ancestor...from 4 to 6 million years ago. Scholars are still seeking information regarding which species led to that branch off from apes to humans, hence the search for the missing link post that you should read (http://humerusrevelations.blogspot.com/2014/03/in-search-of-missing-link.html).
This is so interesting and one more reason to add to the list on why I am intrigued with Anthropology. I personally believe in evolution, versus creation based upon biological and scientific proof, but I honestly never knew that humans, in fact, did not evolve from monkeys. I believe that in time, we will find the missing link as you were speaking of, breaking the unknown secret. I am interested in seeing what others believe when this is found, as I know many are opposed to the idea of evolution. With technological and scientific advances of humans, I believe it may (hopefully) be soon.
This post is relevant to what we are learning in class right now and gave me more of an understanding about the topic! The common ancestory we share with apes is pretty fascinating and interesting.
I found this quite interesting. I never realized that biologists don't consider us to have evolved from monkeys and that the steps between are viewed discreetly.
I understand that we share a common ancestor, and I am curious about if we have any specimens of ape ancestors. For example, have we found any species that branched off from our common ancestor and was on its way to becoming a modern chimpanzee?
This topic is covered in the textbook in a chapter that we didn't go over due to time. You can read more on this topic by reading that chapter on primate evolution. :)
I really like how you connected this lesson to that song. It really makes the debate clearer in my mind on where we came from. After taking anth 102, it still amazes me that we evolved under the order Primata along with apes and non-human primates. Very helpful read!
This was an interesting article and good topic to address. I know now as an adult that we do not come from apes but I know that some kids still believe that. I know in some school, evolution is taught so I can see where kids get confused. In fact, the other day my little brother asked how we came from apes, if we supposedly came from Adam and Eve. Of course that was a controversial topic, I let my parents take care of.
Through the recent chapters coming up will we cover more on taxonomy and the time line of how we developed through time because we are apes correct? We share some of the same characteristics.
Yes, we, Homo sapiens, are classified in the same category as apes.
First- I love Beck. Great band.
Second, I can remember my dad telling my at the dinner table-"There is no way I evolved from a (**insert colorful word here**) monkey." I love that it has been PROVEN that we are related, but in no way "evolved" from them. Learning this info, when my dad starts to go off on an evolution of humans tangent-which hasn't happened in a while-I can explain, that, "No, Dad, stop thinking about it that way." And show him a family tree :)
I have had people tell me that we evolved from monkeys know I have fact to support my argument that we haven't.
i think topics like these are the best because i have my own beliefs on how we came about, but to hear what others think is amazing!
this post has helped me learn more about the evolution theory
Jovie Black
I found the answer to my question , Humans came from non human primates of 5000 years ago.
I was so curious to find out how we evolved, or if i should stick to my religion beliefs.
I will admit, I am guilty for believing that myth to be true.. I am happy to hear that we did not come from the amps. Do they have what exact primate we evolved from?
--Kimberly Wilbers
We are still trying to figure out our exact origins, which we will address in SA 202. :)
Honestly, before coming to college I definitely thought that humans evolved from monkeys. I think this post is really beneficial because it helps me understand the standpoints of what everyone else believe. I've read many different articles and watched a bunch of clips so that i could understand more about the human evolution and everyone has different beliefs. Humans are one of the most complex things on the earth, and I find that easy to believe. I never heard that song you mentioned in the blog post, but I did listen to it after I reading the blog.Thanks!
-Brittany Duckett SA202
I liked reading this article because it helped me learn more about where we come from as well as the similar traits. It's very interesting. - Alexis Buford
I never thought we evolved from monkeys. My mom always said we didn't so i just never believed it. But it is cool to see different standpoints and opinions on that. It was cool reading this to learn about the evolution theory.
This post helped me understand how we are connected to non human primates and dis spell the myth my biology class told me. knowing where we differ from other primates brings the good question of the missing link and where does it fit before hominidae?
- Chyann Taylor
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