Chimps Belong in Human Genus?

Bradley Chapman writes "I found this interesting story from Discovery News about our ties with chimpanzees. Excerpts: 'Chimpanzees share 99.4 percent of functionally important DNA with humans and belong in our genus, Homo, according to a recent genetic study. Scientists analyzed 97 human genes, along with comparable sequences from chimps, gorillas, orangutans and Old World monkeys (a group that includes baboons and macaques). The researchers then took the DNA data and estimated genetic evolution over time. They determined that humans and chimps shared a common ancestor between 4 and 7 million years ago. That ancestor diverged from gorillas 6 to 7 million years ago.'" Genus is the next step up from species, if you recall your taxonomy. Humans are the only living species in genus homo, currently.

Comments

if { chimps == homosapiens } ....

[caluml]

If we were once chimps, and we evolved into homo-sapiens, then why didn't the chimps do that too?

Re:Human Chimp Hybrid?

[Anonymous Coward]

[C]ouldn't you cross a human with a chimp? Has anyone ever tried this?

I think former First Lady Barbara Bush has been a pioneer in this field.

More Evidence in Favor

[Homebrewed]

Based on this evidence, I'd say they've actually got a pretty good case.