My son asked me this and he is an evolutionist...

[mallymooface]

To all the evolutionists out there, or anyone else who has an idea of these things, how come aligators and tortoises which have been around infinitely longer than us mere humans, are not in congress or in the white house or writing meaning of life questions on this site??? And how come if they were around at the time of the dinosaurs they werent wiped out at the same time????

[WaldoMcFroog]

Theland, Mally has already stated, "my son is thirteen years old and its my fault he doesn't have a good idea about it all cos I am clueless as to evolution".

She might as well ask *you* as herself, for all the sense she'd get, however for anyone who knows a bit about the subject, no, it's not really any great problem to explain the Beatles by evolution, despite what you would like to think.

[chakka35]

Yes, Mally, ignore Theland. He knows nothing about the subject either.

[Ethmer]

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"How come other species didn't evolve to occupy congress, etc.?"

Evolution is a tool that allows for random mutations that benefit a species and its survival to be passed on within the species thereby improving the species and sometimes even changing the appearance and character of the species.

Species other than apes never developed the mutations that would gradually lead to the intelligence and abilities necessary for congress, etc.

Some apes evolved over time where they walked on two legs instead of four. That allowed for mutations which allowed their brains to develop more intelligently because of their having free hands so they developed tools.

Subsequently those mutated apes further mutated by developing "human-type" vocal chords which allowed the newly evolving man's brain to develop better communication and real language. Language has caused man to evolve intelligence vastly superior to all other species.

Man's brain continues to evolve and mankind continues to become more adept and more intelligent.

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[mallymooface]

Hi Ethmer, whilst my son might accept that answer I am a bit put off by the "random" ness of it all as you described. Chakka also said evolution is random and it's the whole lack of solidity or following of cause and effect that bothers me. I guess that's because I expect everything to have a reason. Waldo, other animals use tools - apes and stuff, and they still have the benefit of using all four limbs in a way that is in some ways more beneficial than walking on two legs. It is thought that some apes have their own language too. The dolpin language I believe is as complex as ours. So the question remains how come they aren't ruling the world?