Here's why:
* Evolution is not a linear progression: Evolution is a branching process. It's not like a ladder where one species climbs to become another. Instead, think of a tree with many branches. Humans and monkeys share a branch that diverged millions of years ago.
* Both humans and monkeys evolved: After that split, both humans and monkeys evolved independently, developing their own unique traits. Monkeys continued evolving into the various species of monkeys we see today, while humans evolved into modern humans.
* Natural selection: The process of natural selection favors traits that are advantageous for survival and reproduction in a given environment. Over time, these traits become more prevalent in a population. This means that both monkeys and humans have been evolving and adapting to their respective environments, leading to the diversity we see today.
In summary, humans and monkeys are both products of evolution, but they have been evolving along separate paths for millions of years. The fact that monkeys still exist is a testament to their own successful evolutionary journey.