Geological Eras and Evolution - GED Science

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Question

Which of the following statements is most accurate?

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Answer

Common ancestors are the branching points in a phylogenetic tree, from which multiple species originate. Chimpanzees and humans share a common ancestor. Through evolution, the genetic changes to this ancestor gave rise to two separate species: chimpanzees and humans. This divide occurred roughly 5 million years ago, according to fossil evidence.

To say that chimpanzees are the most recent common ancestor to humans implies that humans actually evolved from chimpanzees. Similarly, to say that humans are the most recent ancestor to chimpanzees suggests that chimpanzees evolved from humans. Neither of these statements are correct, as both species are actually derived from a shared ancient relative (the most recent common ancestor).

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