The above link is a YouTube video which explains why the term "missing link" should not be used. The video features a professor of anthropology explaining the commonly held idea of humans evolving from chimpanzees and why it is incorrect. Humans and chimpanzees share a common ancestor that was neither human nor chimpanzee.
The professor explains why no one fossil can be called "the missing link" since there are many fossils that show a gradual evolution from ancient non-human primates to hominids. Chimpanzees and humans are "cousins" that share a common ancestor, both have evolved into different species with similar traits, chimpanzees are not, however, our parents or even our ancestors. The ancestors to all modern apes no longer exist but fossils show direct evidence of traits that all modern apes (including humans) share.
The term "missing link" is not a scientific term because it confuses the audience into thinking that there is one fossil that is "in-between" human and chimp and that evolution of hominids is a straight-line with no other branches (that are now extinct).
Thank you! Great video!
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