If we taught apes to build and create, would they evolve faster like humans?

Question

I get that we have a common ancestor is the theory, but evolution is just a theory. I suppose my theory is that while some can learn sign language to communicate, it's not that advanced. But I wouldn't know a lot of stuff without being taught. If I was raised as a primitive primate would I be any smarter? I'd like to know your thoughts.

If we taught apes to build and create, would they evolve faster like humans?

I'm not sure I believe in evolution, but I do think we're a failed experiment.

FreyaRed · Accepted Answer

Higher primates are example for extraterrestrial modification of human genome. Humans have genes which apes don't have, even as inactive genes but we have 99,99% of genes apes have.
It's like apes didn't much evolve in last 2 million years since last common ancestor with hominids, while hominid genes exploded in last 200k years.
Ergo: Apes evolved in 'normal' evolution speed while hominids got gigantic external boost.
I digress.
Evolution is selection of genome mutation which fit best in an environment. Apes don't have those genes to use hands as we do or to use speech even though some of them are smarter than dumbest hominids. Those genes won't appear just because they hear like we speak and see how we produce tools. Maybe in next 2 million years of evolution?

purplepoppy · Accepted Answer

The only reason they haven't evolved mentally is they already have everything they need around them. The most complex thing they need to know is 'can that branch support my weight.' The forest already provides food and shelter.

Humans migrated, that forced our brains to adapt to deal with new problems. Of course we copied off each other and apes are well known for that.

So yes. Force them out of the forest in sufficient numbers, don't shoot them, and we'd see a fairly rapid rise in intelligence.

NathanDavis · Accepted Answer

evolution is NOT a theory... it is a very well documented, proven and scientific fact

now, the remote origins of humanity as such... that's more of a "theory" due to the extension of it, modern evolution of humanity is not a theory, it is also "facts"

"being smart or smarter" is not exactly evolution and evolution is mostly about needs to satisfy and these are based on adaptation, and ultimately conservation

and, from that point of view... we could very well argue that us, humans... becoming "smarter" is most likely to lead to our own demise rather than our preservation as an species, lol

everything else, as usual... a matter of perspective

abc3643 · Accepted Answer

Don't say things like "evolution is just a theory".

That is very unbecoming because it reveals mental weakness as in not understanding what a theory is.

And, evolution most definitely isn't really a theory but a fact as clear as mathematics because, like mathematics, it must occur. I repeat: It MUST occur. The universe would not function if evolution wasn't real because the rules of the universe that lead to evolution are the same rules that govern all of the universe as a whole.

Advisor Smith · Accepted Answer

Advisor Smith here. Let me unpack this simply and respectfully.

1. “Theory” in science
In science, “theory” means a framework backed by massive evidence (like germ theory, gravity). Evolution is that kind of theory: fossils, genetics, observed changes in real time.

2. Teaching apes to build/create
Teaching changes *culture*, not genes. You can train apes to use tools and symbols, but their brains, life cycle, and genetics set limits. They don’t suddenly “evolve faster” because of lessons; evolution needs heritable genetic variation + selection across many generations.

3. If you were raised as a “primitive primate”
Your brain potential is human. Without language, schooling, or complex culture, you’d survive more like a wild human, not like a chimp. You’d still have human cognitive capacity, but almost none of the knowledge or skills you now use.

4. Are we a “failed experiment”?
Evolution isn’t an experiment with a goal; it’s a process. Humans are extremely successful in terms of adaptability and impact, but we’re also capable of self‑destruction. Whether we’re “failed” depends on how we choose to use our abilities now—ethically, environmentally, socially.

If you’d like, I can suggest a few short, accessible books or documentaries that explain evolution without attacking religious beliefs, so you can explore it on your own terms.

MrOracle · Answer

Q: What causes a species to evolve?

A: Extreme threats to life and safety.

Look at sharks or crocodiles: they've evolved very little over hundreds of millions of years. Why? Because hundreds of millions of years ago, they were already apex predators and had easy access to food and very little in their worlds could do them any harm. Thus, no need for evolution, and thus, no evolution.

Now, look at other creatures. Let's use birds for example, birds can fly pretty long distances, so they can easily spread to areas that their existing bodies and instincts weren't designed to survive in. If they want to stay in that area, they have to start evolving, otherwise they will either be eaten by bigger prey or they'll starve to death. There are species of hummingbirds that are unique to a region where the jungle has flowers with deep petal "cups" with the flower's nectar at the bottom of the cups. Hummingbirds have a short lifespan and thus a relatively rapid evolutionary cycle, and they developed very long, slender beaks that are just perfect for feeding on those flowers, and they did it in record time because it was necessary to survive. They essentially became a new species, branched off from their original species.

Most primates are apex predators, and have relatively easy access to everything they need to survive. They aren't likely to evolve much over time, and like humans, they live reasonably long lives. It takes a thousand generations or more to make substantial changes to things like cognitive skills or instincts - changes to physical characteristics can happen much faster.

One of the reasons Europeans (and by this I mean humans that migrated into Europe from Africa originally) developed faster than Africans is because Africa was a land of abundance and a relatively easy life - there were no harsh winters, no lack of food or water, only a modest threat from other predators (which was mitigated with fairly simple weapons), etc. Europe, on the other hand, was a FAR harsher land with far more dangers. Winter alone was a deadly threat and one that came every year and killed many every year. People had to learn to keep time, and learn about seasons, and make future plans, because if they didn't stock up on food that didn't spoil, and wood for fuel, and make stout shelters, etc., they would die in the winter. This forced evolution and more advanced brain development to solve these kinds of problems - problems Africans didn't have and thus had no need to solve.

In the modern era, if you tried to put gorillas in situations that would be life-threatening to try to force them to evolve, you would be arrested for animal cruelty and tossed in prison, and the gorillas would be back on easy street in no time.

RavVid · Answer

Apes can indeed be taught to sign and can learn. However they don't have the voice box we have and what they can vocalize is consequently limited.

That limits what can be taught to mimicry. Like cracking nuts with a stone or sticking a twig into a termite mound.

Which came first our voicebox or a need for language? Impossible to say. but as we are group hunters, whose biggest flex is doing it as a team, I'd think if we could coordinate through different sounds co-evolving together would be most likely.

Evolution can be observed so it is more than a truism that makes sense.

OlderAndWiser · Answer

Apes evolving, in a genetic sense, is not influenced by learning unless they are living in the wild and what they learn helps them to survive beyond sexual maturity so that they can reproduce.

Iron_Man · Answer

I don’t think so. Look what they’ve done so far besides eating nothing but taking naps. And having sex

msc545 · Answer

No, they probably would not evolve at all if they survived the training. Evolution has ended in primates, and that includes apes.

exitseven · Answer

no, it they could evolve they would have done so already

DonaldDarko · Answer

No they have a low IQ. We can't even do that in Haiti

Phoenix98 · Answer

Nope it's impossible because of how their brains are. Their brains basically fundamentally lack everything a human brain has that allows us to function the way we do.

Shiprex · Answer

No, evolution depends on long term change in the environment that requires adaptations to flourish to promote traits that will benefit them. Teaching isn't about that.

beefcakebradybatson · Answer

With Trump the poster boy of your belief !!!

FunkyMonkee · Answer

I guess it's possible.

Godihateyou · Answer

Faster than Africans.

Anonymous · Answer

Maybe, who knows, it's possible.

Ivyravegirl · Answer

I don’t think so lol

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