Evolution

Exit Project |
Evolution |
Primates, Human Origins, Human Species |
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In this essay I will touch on the topic of evolution. This is a very complicated and controversial topic that is not universally agreed upon. In this undertaking I will write about how as primates we are all of family full of resemblances, what evolution is, how it works, and the history of human evolution. I will write about what makes us human and the possible future of human evolution. |

Primates

In case you weren’t aware, humans are primates. There are more than 200 species of primates living on Earth today. Monkeys, lemurs, and even apes are our cousins. We are believed to have all evolved from common ancestors. We are 99% genetically identical to our closest relatives, chimpanzees and bonobos.

Most modern primates have many characteristics in common. Many share large brains, and live in complex social groups. Primates have very few offspring, and usually one at a time. As primates we depend more on our sense of vision than our sense of smell. Also primates have long life spans and slow growth.

Most mammals are colorblind; this means that they can’t see the color red. Despite this, many primates, including humans, perceive the full spectrum of color. To us this trait may seem unimportant but it is very helpful for animals living in the forest. Color vision can help an animal distinguish ripe bright red fruits from the green forest background.

A primate’s grasping hand is an adaption of tree life. Primates evolved opposable thumbs to make it easier to grasp onto branches. As the hand evolved the claw disappeared. Although Humans are primates humans’ hands are unique. Our thumbs are longer and can easily touch all our other fingers; this allows us to easily grasp objects of almost any shape. A human can grip can with strength and control.  

Evolution of Primates
As is the case with many other species 65 million years ago extinct primates prospered as we... [continues]

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