Could Human and Chimp Produce Offspring?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the possibility of hybridization between humans (Homo sapiens) and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), specifically whether they could produce offspring, and the historical attempts to explore this idea. The conversation touches on theoretical considerations, past experiments, and genetic factors influencing hybrid viability.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the feasibility of producing offspring between humans and chimpanzees and whether any experiments have been conducted.
  • Others mention historical attempts in the early 1900s, including programs in Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, which were reportedly unsuccessful.
  • One participant discusses the chromosomal differences between humans and other great apes, noting that humans have 46 chromosomes while chimpanzees have 48, suggesting that hybridization is unlikely.
  • There is a mention of a chromosomal fusion event in human evolution that may contribute to the improbability of hybrid offspring.
  • Questions are raised about the timeline of the chromosomal fusion event and whether Neanderthals or other hominins had the same chromosomal count as modern humans.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the relevance of certain contributions to the main topic, indicating a mix of serious inquiry and lighter commentary.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that attempts to hybridize humans and chimpanzees have been made but have not succeeded. However, there is no consensus on the implications of chromosomal differences or the historical context of these experiments.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of definitive evidence regarding the chromosomal counts of extinct hominins and the historical accuracy of claims about past hybridization attempts.

Moridin
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Hi,

Can H. sapiens and P. troglodytes produce (infertile) offspring? Has there ever been any experiments where this has been attempted? Which position is more theoretically sound?
 
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Moridin said:
Has there ever been any experiments where this has been attempted?

I thought I heard somewhere once that is where AIDS came from? LOL <smirk>
 
Many experiments have been tried over the years (mainly in the early 1900's). They have all failed rather embarassingly. I think Nazi Germany had a program with this is mind, to create super-soldiers with the strength of a chimp and the mind of a man. Also a disgusting failure.
 
I believe there was also someone in the Soviet Union trying to do such experiments. Also a failure and eventually the guy fell out of political favor and was sent to Siberia.
 
BoomBoom said:
I thought I heard somewhere once that is where AIDS came from? LOL <smirk>

I prefer to think it was a bite.
 
Chromosome number for hominidae:
http://homepage.mac.com/wildlifeweb/cyto/diploid/Hominidae2n.html

One of the ways speciation succeeds is blocking hybridization: humans have 46 chromosomes (23 pairs) the other great apes have 48 (24 pairs). Creating a hybrid, especially one that is viable, is extremely unlikely.
 
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jim mcnamara said:
Chromosome number for hominidae:
http://homepage.mac.com/wildlifeweb/cyto/diploid/Hominidae2n.html

One of the ways speciation succeeds is blocking hybridization: humans have 46 chromosomes (23 pairs) the other great apes have 48 (24 pairs). Creating a hybrid, especially one that is viable, is extremely unlikely.

Of course, I forgot the chromosomal fusion event. Thanks.
 
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This thread will be closed if you guys do not stop clowning around. The original question was valid, but this other stuff isn't.
 
So it seems like the answer is, yes it's been tried but without success and it is likely impossible due to the number of chromosomes...

Is it known how long ago this chromosome fusion event took place in the human line? Did Neanderthals have 23 chromosomes? Homo erectus? etc.
 
  • #10
To my knowledge there are no extant cells from H. neaderthalensis, for example. You need living cells or at least pretty well preserved tissue to answer that one. To make a karyotype requires a stained smear of a cell near metaphase in mitosis, or a germ cell in metaphase I in meiosis.

Here is what is involved in making your own karyotype:
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/disorders/karyotype/karyotype.cfm
 
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  • #11
http://www.animal-rights-library.com/texts-m/dawkins01.htm"
 
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  • #12
Count Iblis said:
http://www.animal-rights-library.com/texts-m/dawkins01.htm"

What does that opinion have to do with the current thread? Granted, I only rapidly skimmed the article in your link, but a bit of explanation might help here.
 
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