Common misconception. Apes and humans are part of the same genus and the DNA evidence is hard to dispute. But the former are adapted to life as an ape, and we are adapted to whatever environment our ancestors found themselves in eons ago. Based on our lack of fur, large brain, subcutaneous fat layer, and slightly webbed fingers and toes (none of which modern apes have) I think we were adapted to life in the water. But hey, it's only a theory.
Ever heard of the "Aquatic Ape Hypothesis"? It's a pretty darn compelling description of the development of aquatic adaptations in modern humans.
At the theory's root is the assumption that, rather than heading off into the savannah as the environment slowly cooled and dried, the tree-dwelling apes who eventually evolved into humans stayed in the trees as long as they possibly could. In a drying climate, the final place you'll find trees is near riverbeds and ocean shores, and the apes that were most successful in such an environment were the ones that were able to make the most out of the new aquatic resources in their environment.
They don't call me ole silver-back for nothing. :)
I saw that line I posted in some email list going around, I knew it would prompt some discussion.
YES!! Again, if you haven't already, go online to Amazon and get yourself a cheapie used copy of "Scars of Evolution" by Elaine Morgan. Absolutely fascinating. Helps explain possibly WHY human babies know instinctively to hold their breath when placed in water, why they're born with a large amount of white fat (it floats!) as opposed to chimp and ape babies, which are born with a thin layer of brown fat, which has no flotation qualities. So it is that after Christmas when I have put on a bunch of fat from eating too much fudge and chocolate-covered cherries, I rationalize it and figure it's just that much more flotation for me when I go swimming. And swim I do -- as a means of burning off said fat to keep my girlish figure! *sigh* So many contradictions, so little time!