What about the differences between chimps and humans?

[Ophiolite]

Another dodge on giving an unambiguous definition for "species".

The ambiguity of species definition is a reflection of different contexts, perspectives and times.

Species do not exist in nature. They are classifier intended to organise our descriptions and observations of organisms. They are a system that is there for convenience. It simplifies discussion about organisms, their behaviour and relationships. Somewhat different definitions facilitate different types of discussion. If this makes you uncomfortable, confused, or frustrated that is - unfortunately - your problem. The only solution I know of is a combination of acceptance and education. Your choice.

 

[AV1611VET]

What is wrong with the term "closest relatives" in describing our relationship with chimps.

Chimpanzees are not our cousins.

 

[Ophiolite]

Chimpanzees are not our cousins.

I guess that means I'm not related to you. I'll try not to lose sleep over it.

 

[AV1611VET]

I guess that means I'm not related to you.

But you are.

I'll try not to lose sleep over it.

Don't have a nightmare!

 

[HitchSlap]

Chimpanzees are not our cousins.

Said no biologist ever.

 

[HitchSlap]

NoT a BIoLogIsT ^^^

 

[AV1611VET]

Said no biologist ever.

Maybe they don't have to? or maybe they haven't gotten the memo yet?

On the face of it, there is good reason to think that the last creature from which both humans and chimps – our closest cousins – can claim descent might eventually be found.

SOURCE

 

[AV1611VET]

NoT a BIoLogIsT ^^^

Neither was Peter Pan (or is that JIF peanut butter)?

 

[HitchSlap]

Maybe they don't have to? or maybe they haven't gotten the memo yet?

It's way simpler than all that. They know more than you.

 

[HitchSlap]

Neither was Peter Pan (or is that JIF peanut butter)?

Either way, it's just Crisco made to taste like peanuts.

 

[AV1611VET]

They know more than you.

But not as much as New Scientist, apparently.

 

[AV1611VET]

Either way, it's just Crisco made to taste like peanuts.

I imagine Crisco can give you nightmares as well.

 

[HitchSlap]

Maybe they don't have to? or maybe they haven't gotten the memo yet?

SOURCE

SOURCE: "On the face of it, there is good reason to think that the last creature from which both humans and chimps – our closest cousins – can claim descent might eventually be found."

 

[HitchSlap]

I imagine Crisco can give you nightmares as well.

You have no idea!

 

[Phred]

You can't have selection without someone to select. And you can not have order, design or structure or anything existing without an intelligent being creating it.
All science does is test what God already made. They have no ultimate answers as to why we are here.

Sure you can. Just like a river can "select" which branch it flows down based upon which is blocked or not blocked. It's simple to understand. You simply don't want to.

 

[o_mlly]

You are wrong. Which evolutionary scientists do you know that claim that without an exact definition of species imagination rules?

If this makes you uncomfortable, confused, or frustrated that is - unfortunately - your problem.

Sorry, not my problem ... yours.

The concept of species is flawed. So why is it so important to us?

At its most basic, this traditional species concept, useful for theoretically dividing up life into groups is flawed for a number of reasons.
​

Species concept - Wikipedia

The species problem is the set of questions that arises when biologists attempt to define what a species is. Such a definition is called a species concept; there are at least 26 recognized species concepts.
​

The Species Problem: A Conceptual Problem?

Few biological problems have remained as consistently challenging through the past two centuries as the species problem.​

 

[AV1611VET]

SOURCE: "On the face of it, there is good reason to think that the last creature from which both humans and chimps – our closest cousins – can claim descent might eventually be found."

That phrase you bolded, does it modify "last creature" or "chimps"?

(Hint: the phrase you bolded is plural, last creature is singular, chimps is plural.)

 

[HitchSlap]

That phrase you bolded, does it modify "last creature" or "chimps"?

(Hint: the phrase you bolded is plural, last creature is singular, chimps is plural.)

pssssst....THeyR'E OuR CoUSiNs...

 

[AV1611VET]

pssssst....THeyR'E OuR CoUSiNs...

Oh ... I get it now.

Sorry -- little slow today.

 

[HitchSlap]

Oh ... I get it now.

Sorry -- little slow today.

No problem.