Why do we look like chimpanzees?

Why do we look like chimpanzees?

Beachcomber Discovery

Any objective observer will admit that chimpanzees look more like humans than any other animal. We can read their body language and hence chimpanzees are often used in advertising. The theory of evolution offers a reasonable explanation why we and chimpanzees look so alike.

Chimpanzees did not get left behind in the progress of evolution, and humans are not descended from chimpanzees, but at some point in the past as recently as 6 million years ago, they shared a common ancestor. At a more remote time some 30 million years ago, both shared a common ancestor with monkeys. In evolutionary terms, monkeys, apes and humans are neither inferior nor superior to one another, just different.

Although we may think of ourselves as the high point of evolution, evolution by natural selection has no goal or direction. There can be no perfection in nature, just endless variety, from bugs to humans. Like it or not, we are part of that variety – the human variety as opposed to the chimpanzee variety.

Source information: Human Beginnings in South Africa. HJ Deacon & Janette Deacon. 

Why do we look like chimpanzees?

Beachcomber Guide

Unearthing shoreline secrets. Investigating colourful rock pools, amazing sea creatures, medicinal plants and much more on an informative short walk in Pearly Beach. For longer visits hike Beachcombers Perlemoen trail a spectacular 2/3 or 4 day slack-packing trip accompanied by a specialist guid...

View Profile

What is Xplorio?

Xplorio is your local connection allowing you to find anything and everything about a town.

Watch the Gansbaai Video
Read More

Other Articles

Chelsea Flowers in Stanford

Chelsea Flowers in Stanford

Uncover the Cape Floral Kingdom through Leon Kluge’s Gold-Award-winning flower show display and the Grootbos Florilegium.

Grootbos Foundation
Happy Dad Day

Happy Dad Day

Keep On Moving – Happy Dad Day!

Happy Dad Day

Happy Dad Day

Keep On Moving – Happy Dad Day!

Potjie Pap

Potjie Pap

"Look Steve, it isn't possible to impart a skill like this over the phone. If you are serious, you will have to attend a demonstration and lecture. I will be cooking pap with our chicken pot on Sunday."

Discover De Kelders - Stay at Calamari and Explore Duiwelsgat Trail

Discover De Kelders - Stay at Calamari and Explore Duiwelsgat Trail

Self-Catering is a great place to stay while you explore the area. It’s clean, comfy, and close to everything you need.

Calamari Self-Catering
Whale Coast Weekend Events: 28 May - 1 June 2025

Whale Coast Weekend Events: 28 May - 1 June 2025

 From markets and music to workshops and walks, here’s what’s happening this week across the Whale Coast.

Gansbaai Tourism
See All Articles