Due to closeness of their DNA
SYDNEY: Gorillas end Chimpanzees should be reclassified into the same species group as humans because of the closeness of their DNA. according to a: team of Australian and New Zealand scientists. reports Reuter.
The scientists on Friday called for a formal revision of the genus homo and for species classification to be based on DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid).
' If you compare other mammal groups, like genus ratus (rat) there Is much more divergence In DNA than there is between humans and chimpanzees." Australian scientist Simon Easteal, from the John Curtin School of Medical Research in Canberra, told Reuters Friday.
"If the species classification is to have any sort of meaning and standard we should be in the same genus.” said Easteal. a member of a team of Australian and New Zealand scientists who presented a paper "human origins and evolution" at the Australian Academy of Science In Canberra Friday.
Using a nuclear DNA test the scientists found humans diverged from Chimpanzees about 3.6 to four million years ago and the two had diverged from gorillas between four and five million years ago.
"There Is only 1.6 per cent difference between our nuclear DNA and that of a Chimpanzee, and only 1.7 per cent difference from a gorilla." Easteal said. "The coding DNA is closer still and some DNA shows absolutely no differences at all."
Easteal said the DNA test indicated that both Chimpanzees and humans had a common ancestor who walked upright.
Di really needs a break
LONDON: Princess Diana headed for a long weekend in Spain on Friday, leaving behind an uncompleted divorce from Prince Charles and a tabloid report that she is threatening to drag the negotiations out as long as possible, reports AP.
"She will not agree to a quickie divorce and is threatening to make him wait the full five years." Saturday's Daily Express said without attribution.
Charles and Diana separated In December 1992. Under British divorce law they can divorce without a court trial after two years if they both agree If one party does not agree, the other partner can get the divorce after five years.
Divorce negotiations have been under way since the end of February. ;
The Daily Express said, without attribution, that the negotiations are deadlocked over the financial settlement, that Charles wants her to sign the divorce petition before a financial settlement Is agreed and she refuses.
The Princess's spokeswoman. Jane Atkinson, said Diana s weekend plans were strictly private.
"1 don't know where the princess Is. I deliberately did not ask — It's a private visit," she said. The princess will be back on Tuesday - she's gone to stay with friends."
Tie Dally Express said It ' understood" that Diana s des-Iination was a villa near Malaga owned by financial Str James Goldsmith, whose daughter Jemima ana her husband Imran Khan are friends of the princess.