Well they're monkeys. I'm not really surprised.
On no way does that make me think I came from a monkey.
I see this misunderstanding about evolution in here all the time.
First of all, you are right, you didn't "come from a monkey." What evolution actually teaches is that
you and monkeys share a common ancestor that you and monkey then evolved from. That does make you related to monkeys in the same way that second cousins are related but neither giving birth to the other.
The second thing is that
Science categorizes species by traits and genetic similarity. For example, "chordates" refers to all animals that have a spinal chord.
You and I are chordates since we have spinal chords.
A mammal is a chordate that feeds its young with milk formed in mammillary glands. Humans, elephants, whales, even platypuses, are mammals.
Primates are those mammals that have a number of unique characteristics, the best known being opposable thumbs.
Since you and I have opposable thumbs, we are primates.
Are with me so far, agreeing that humans are chordates, mammals, and primates?
Now let's talk about the Great Apes, which is a subcategory of primates. There are a number of traits that are looked at. I will compare the Great Apes with Monkeys, although it should be noted that primates also include creatures such as bushbabies and lemurs. I'm just going to paste what AI came up with to save time:
1. Lack of a Tail
Great Apes: Unlike most monkeys, great apes do not have tails. This is a significant anatomical difference and one of the most obvious ways to distinguish great apes from many other primates.
Monkeys: Many monkey species, especially those in the New World (such as capuchins and spider monkeys), have tails, some of which are prehensile and used for grasping branches.
2. Larger Brain Size
Great Apes: They have larger and more complex brains relative to their body size compared to other primates. This greater brain volume is associated with higher cognitive abilities, complex problem-solving skills, and advanced social behaviors.
Monkeys and Other Primates: While some monkeys have relatively large brains, their cognitive abilities are generally not as advanced as those of the great apes.
3. More Complex Social Structures and Behaviors
Great Apes: They often exhibit complex social behaviors, including intricate communication, tool use, and problem-solving. For example, chimpanzees and bonobos are known for their sophisticated social structures and the use of tools in the wild.
Monkeys: Monkeys also have social groups, but the complexity and level of social interactions can be less intricate compared to great apes.
4. Longer Developmental Periods
Great Apes: They have longer gestation periods, extended infancy, and a prolonged juvenile phase. This extended period allows for greater learning and the development of complex behaviors.
Monkeys: Typically have shorter developmental periods compared to great apes, with faster maturation.
5. Increased Dependency on Learned Behaviors
Great Apes: They rely heavily on learned behaviors, with significant knowledge being passed from one generation to the next. This cultural transmission is a hallmark of great ape societies.
Monkeys: Although they also learn behaviors, the cultural complexity seen in great apes is less common among monkeys.
6. More Flexible Shoulder Joints and Upper Body
Great Apes: They have highly flexible shoulder joints, allowing for a wide range of motion in their arms. This trait supports brachiation (swinging from branch to branch) and is evident in species like orangutans. It also contributes to their ability to manipulate objects skillfully.
Monkeys: While some monkeys have prehensile tails that aid in mobility, their shoulder and upper body flexibility are generally less developed than that of great apes.
7. Posture and Locomotion
Great Apes: They have a more upright posture and can walk bipedally (on two legs) for short distances. Gorillas and chimpanzees, for example, use a form of knuckle-walking, while orangutans may move using their fists.
Monkeys: Typically move on all fours, and their locomotion is often less focused on an upright stance.
8. Diet and Feeding Behavior
Great Apes: They often have diverse diets, including fruits, leaves, and in some cases, meat. Their feeding behaviors can be complex, involving the use of tools (e.g., chimpanzees using sticks to extract termites).
Monkeys: Many have specialized diets and may not exhibit the same level of tool use as great apes.
9. Facial Expressions and Communication
Great Apes: They have highly expressive faces and a wide range of vocalizations and gestures. These are used for nuanced communication and social interactions.
Monkeys: While they also communicate, the range and subtlety of expressions and vocalizations are generally more limited.
10. Greater Body Size
Great Apes: Typically, great apes are larger than most monkeys, with species like gorillas being the largest of all primates.
Monkeys: Come in a wider range of sizes, often smaller than great apes.
SOOOOO....
Just like we are chordates, mammals, and primates, we ALSO fit into the subcategory of primate known as the Great Apes.