Chimps should be part of human genus, scientists say

MSNBC ^ | May 19

[Between the Lines]

Chimpanzees are more closely related to people than to gorillas or other monkeys and probably should be included in the human branch of the family tree, a research team says. The idea, sure to spark renewed debate about evolution and the relationship between humans and animals, comes from a team led by Morris Goodman at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit.

CURRENTLY, HUMANS are alone in the genus Homo. But Goodman argues, “We humans appear as only slightly remodeled chimpanzee-like apes.” He says humans and chimps share 99.4 percent of their DNA, the molecule that codes for life.

[Guillermo]

For some reason, I doubt the gun is loaded.

[stars & stripes forever]

If the Illinois governor hears about this, he'll propose that chimpanzees have the right for reduced college tuition, along with illegal aliens.

[Judith Anne]

Daddy told me that every gun is loaded. Always. ;-D

[Prodigal Son]

Great. Another special interest group for liberal politicians to pander to.

[LeftIsSinister]

Reminds me of a ultra-religious guy I saw giving a televised speech...

Basically he said "Them scientists claim we're related to monkeys because we share 99% of our D-N-A. Well, people are mostly water, but we ain't nothing like clouds are we?"

The audience roared in full agreement.

[headsonpikes]

LOL!!!

Now that's a scary thought!

[Prolixus]

Chimps are humans? MSNBC must have scooped the The Onion on this one.

Chimpanzees may be genetically closer to humans than they are to other primates but they are still phenotypically much more similar to gorillas and orangutans than they are to humans. I feel much more comfortable using the term human to describe a primate with certain characteristics such as scant body hair, thick subcutaneous fat, conscious glottal control, etc. In other words human is a specially adapted, probably to hunting/gathering in an aquatic environment, primate.

[20yearvet]

Chimps should
be part of human genus,

The Chimps are smart enuff to object.

[kabar]

Here we go again. Another Democratic ploy to get more voters on the roles and start new social programs. Next we will have Head Start for Chimps.

[kabar]

rolls

[Risa]

>>King Philip Came Over From Germany Stoned.<<

wow. Always I have had to look up those categories between Kingdom and Genus.

Thanks for a great mnemonic.

[Risa]

>>Next we will have Head Start for Chimps.<<

lol

[Mr. Bird]

OK, we'll take the chimps, but to meet our roster, we'll have to put Janet Reno on waivers....

[P.O.E.]

More on a simian, I mean, similar thread here.

[Cicero]

Before we add chimps to the voter rolls, how about unborn babies? Aren't they human?

[verity]

Gives some meaning to "I'll be a monkey's uncle." ;~)

[man of Yosemite]

When a chimpanzee builds a space shuttle, then I'll invite him over to dinner. Anyone who can't see the drastic difference between humans and animal life has narrowed his gaze considerably and is going to make errors because of it.

[Mind-numbed Robot]

And then add gender.

In the spirit of cooperation with the scientists I will accept the chimps as cousins if they will put my ex-wife in another species where she belongs. :-)

[Mind-numbed Robot]

Before we add chimps to the voter rolls, how about unborn babies? Aren't they human?

I think you have discovered the secret to converting libs to pro-life. Allow the mom to cast a vote for the fetus, too. Bam, no more abortions.

[Aric2000]

LOL, I was thinking that too....