Human and ape

Human and ape

Numerous finds prove the evolution of man from non-human ancestors. In the natural system of organisms with the semi-monkeys (eg Maki) and the real monkeys (New World and Old World monkeys), humans belong to the modern primates. The comparison of humans with monkeys living today (especially apes) demonstrates the close phylogenetic relationship in terms of commonalities.

Morphological and anatomical similarities

By comparing morphological features - this scientific method of anthropology still has its legitimacy - it is possible to establish similarities and differences, as well as deduce conclusions and ultimately findings about the position of man in the natural system of organisms.

Comparison of the eye position

Consider, for example, the position of the eyes of apes and humans and compare them with the eye position of other animals, eg. As fish, bird, horse, so you find differences.

In many animals, the eyes are located on the side of the head so that their field of vision also reaches far back. In the monkeys and in humans, the eyes are close together. This causes the fields of vision of both eyes to overlap.

Comparison of hand and foot

Most monkeys and humans have five fingers on each hand and five toes with nails on each foot. In the hands, the thumb can be opposed to all other fingers. One speaks of a gripping hand. In the apes, the feet are designed so that they can also grab it. You have a grip. The humans, on the other hand, have a pedestal.

Comparison of the dentition

The close relationship of great apes and humans becomes particularly clear, if one considers the dentition and the condition of the teeth more exactly.

The dental crowns of the molars have the same pattern on the occlusal surface, which results from the number of bumps and furrows. It is called Dryopithecus or 5-Y pattern. This dental crown pattern must have originated at a time when the ancestors of the apes and man were still united in a common heirloom.

Skeleton, posture and skull in comparison

Special features that distinguish man from all other animals are his upright walk and the training of his brain. In the course of man's development from animal ancestors, the upright gait (upright posture) developed. This was associated with numerous changes in the skeleton, z. B. double-S-shaped curvature of the spine for better cushioning from the ground, widening and shovel-like formation of the pelvis as an enlarged surface of origin for the gluteal muscles, extension of the legs, reduction of the skull muscles.

Comparing the brain mass of humans (about 1 450 g) and gorilla (about 430 g), it turns out that despite the lower body mass man has the much larger brain. A comparison of the skull makes that clear.

Large differences can be seen in the teeth comparison of gorilla and human.

Genetic comparison

In recent decades, the chromosomes of primates have been studied more closely, their number and shape determined. The same applies to the blood corpuscles, the blood groups and blood factors as well as the serum groups. The apes have 48 chromosomes in the double set of chromosomes, the human has 46 chromosomes.

Most chimpanzee pairs of chromosomes are broadly consistent with those of humans. Only a few have minor differences.

More detailed information was obtained by studying the chromosome structure using staining techniques that identified banding. She admitted the following statement:

One pair of human chromosomes has almost the same band structure as two single chromosomes in chimpanzees. Presumably, in the course of human evolution, after the separation from the common heirloom, there has been a fusion of two pairs of chromosomes. Comparative hemoglobin studies also confirm the close relationship of humans with apes.

Special features in the behavior

Over the past few decades, researchers have also been able to gain insights into the evolution of human behavior from an early stage of development through observations of apes and apes under laboratory conditions and in the field. The pictures show chimpanzees in different behavioral situations.

One can call the use of tools and the production of tools in chimpanzees already as intelligence performance. They use z. For example, spontaneously use a pole to reach and feast on a banana outside the lattice, or a cane to fight a predator.

It begs the question, "Can chimpanzees think?"

People communicate through a word language. This is how information is passed on from generation to generation. In humans, language is the basis of conscious thinking and acting as well as purposeful work and life activities. The chimpanzees, for example, communicate through certain sounds and gestures. They capture situation-related causal relationships and thus master simple thought processes that are not tied to the language.

It is clear that the behavior of humans and apes is composed of innate and learned or acquired behaviors.