Fact Check: humans were once apes

Fact Check: "Humans Were Once Apes"

What We Know

The claim that "humans were once apes" is a simplification of the scientific understanding of human evolution. Humans did not evolve directly from modern apes; rather, both humans and modern apes share a common ancestor that lived approximately 8 to 6 million years ago. This ancestor is not an ape in the modern sense but a species from which both humans and apes diverged (Smithsonian's Human Origins).

The evolutionary process that led to modern humans, Homo sapiens, involved numerous changes over millions of years, including the development of bipedalism, larger brain sizes, and the use of tools (Smithsonian's Human Origins). Fossil evidence and genetic studies support the idea that humans are part of the primate family, which includes great apes like chimpanzees and gorillas (Human Evolution Evidence).

Analysis

The statement "humans were once apes" can be misleading without context. It is crucial to clarify that humans did not evolve from the apes we see today, but rather from a common ancestor shared with them. This is supported by extensive fossil records and genetic evidence, which show the evolutionary lineage leading to modern humans and their relationship with other primates (Phylogenomic Evidence of Adaptive Evolution, Human Evolution Evidence).

The reliability of the sources cited is high. The Smithsonian's Human Origins program is a leading authority on human evolution, providing well-researched and peer-reviewed information. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) also offers credible scientific literature that discusses evolutionary biology. However, it is important to note that some interpretations of evolution can vary, and not all scientists agree on every aspect of human evolutionary history (Frequently Asked Questions).

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The claim that "humans were once apes" is fundamentally true in the sense that humans share a common ancestor with modern apes, but it requires clarification. Humans did not evolve directly from modern apes; instead, they share a lineage that diverged millions of years ago. This understanding is supported by a wealth of scientific evidence from both fossil records and genetic studies.