Here's a breakdown of their evolutionary relationships:
* Great Apes: Gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, and humans are all classified as Great Apes.
* Common Ancestor: These four species all descended from a common ancestor that lived millions of years ago. This ancestor is not alive today, and scientists are still working to pinpoint its exact nature.
* Close Relatives: Chimpanzees and bonobos are our closest living relatives, sharing about 98.7% of our DNA. Gorillas are slightly more distantly related, but still share a significant portion of our genetic makeup.
This shared ancestry is supported by a wealth of evidence, including:
* Fossil Record: Fossil discoveries have provided a timeline of evolutionary changes, revealing transitional forms and demonstrating the close relationship between these species.
* Genetic Evidence: The similarity in DNA sequences between humans, chimpanzees, and gorillas strongly supports the notion of a common ancestor.
* Comparative Anatomy: Many skeletal and anatomical features are shared between these species, suggesting a common evolutionary origin.
It's important to remember that evolution is not about being "better" or "more advanced." All living species are adapted to their specific environments, and all have evolved over millions of years to become the complex organisms they are today. Understanding our shared ancestry helps us to appreciate the incredible diversity of life on Earth.