
19/09/2025
A question that has puzzled many—“If humans evolved from monkeys, why do monkeys still exist?”—has been clarified by scientists eager to explain the basics of evolutionary biology. Experts emphasize that humans did not directly descend from the monkeys we see today. Instead, humans and modern monkeys share a common ancestor that lived millions of years ago.
Evolution is a branching process. From that shared ancestor, different lineages developed, adapting to various environments. Some evolved into modern humans, while others evolved into today’s monkeys and apes. The existence of monkeys today doesn’t contradict evolution; rather, it highlights that multiple species can coexist if they occupy different ecological niches.
Biologists also stress that natural selection favors traits that help species survive in their respective environments. Monkeys thrive in their habitats, just as humans have adapted to theirs, demonstrating that evolution is not a linear ladder but a complex, branching tree.
This explanation helps demystify a common misconception about evolution, illustrating how species diversity results from millions of years of adaptation and survival. Scientists hope that better public understanding of evolutionary principles can reduce misunderstandings and promote science literacy.