Peter Ruest wrote:
>Is there any _direct_ evidence for common ancestry between humans and apes?
I've mentioned this on the list before:
Evidence of genetic linkage between man and other higher primates can be
derived from an endogenous retroviral sequence imbedded in our DNA that is
also found at the same point in the DNA of chimpanzees. Retroviruses are
a particular class of virus, which includes the HIV virus that causes AIDS,
for example. These viral agents have the ability to annex themselves
directly into a DNA sequence, and an ancient virus apparently did.
The entire genetic code was then passed to future generations, including
the retroviral sequence. This retroviral sequence has no activator
mechanism, and thus is harmless, but here is the point. Not only do man
and chimpanzee have the same number of muscles, bones and teeth, our DNA
has a correlation of nearly 99%. But in addition, an identical alien
viral sequence can be found at the same locus point on both human and chimp
DNA.
A rational explanation is that the viral sequence became attached to the
DNA of a common ancestor. It has remained in the DNA, and has been copied
in both man and chimp for millions of years. This additional confirming
data for relatedness to an animal that already looks to be a close relative
anyway, makes a strong case for a brachiating forbear on our family tree.
Dick Fischer - The Origins Solution - www.orisol.com
"The answer we should have known about 150 years ago"
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