Posted by Carlos on April 24, 1998 at 12:22:35:
In Reply to: I'm ready to see the experiment: Man, chimp evolve from common ancestor posted by Walker on April 24, 1998 at 11:54:09:
Walker said:
: variation does occur between generations of
: a species but proof that we and the mosquitos
: have a common ancestor -- I haven't seen
: it and I'd love to. I'd be happy with proof that
: we have a common ancestor with chimps and for me that
: requires a repeatable, verifiable experiment;
: not just a trail of fossiled bones (although this
: is very compelling evidence)
Unfortunately, the time span required by evolution prevents any possibility for your experiment. Therefore, all we can do is theorize from available evidence. As you pointed out, the fossil record is one such evidence. Another evidence is that we share about 97% of our DNA with Chimpanzees, our closest relative. That is a strong indication that we share a common ancestor. Also, it appears that certain DNA segments are common to all life forms, again suggesting common ancestory.
: --Alan