Here's a breakdown:
* Primates: Both gorillas and baboons are primates, meaning they belong to the order Primates.
* Old World Monkeys: Baboons are classified as Old World monkeys, while gorillas are classified as apes.
* Common Ancestor: Old World monkeys and apes share a common ancestor that lived millions of years ago. This ancestor was likely a small, arboreal (tree-dwelling) primate.
Timeline:
* ~30 million years ago: The lineage leading to Old World monkeys and apes diverged.
* ~25 million years ago: The lineage leading to apes further diverged, with gorillas branching off later.
Evolutionary Relationship:
While gorillas and baboons share a common ancestor, they have evolved significantly differently over millions of years. This is due to adaptation to different environments and ecological pressures. Gorillas are primarily terrestrial (ground-dwelling) and herbivorous, while baboons are more adaptable and can live in a variety of habitats, including savannas and forests.
Key Points:
* All primates, including gorillas and baboons, are related.
* Their evolutionary paths diverged millions of years ago.
* These differences reflect adaptations to different environments.