The WEIRD Way Monkeys Got to America

The video explores the hypothesis that monkeys traveled from Africa to South America via natural rafts. Despite the improbability of such a journey, evidence suggests it is the only viable explanation. Factors like strong currents and favorable weather conditions could have increased the likelihood of successful rafting. Historical examples of similar events, such as lemurs reaching Madagascar, support this theory.

What is the primary hypothesis for how African monkeys reached South America?

• They walked across a land bridge.

• They floated on natural rafts.

• They flew with the help of birds.

• They built boats and sailed.

Why is the rafting hypothesis considered improbable?

• There were many land bridges available.

• The distance between Africa and South America is too short.

• Several unlikely events needed to align perfectly.

• Monkeys are known to be excellent swimmers.

What evidence suggests that monkeys could not have swum to South America?

• There were land bridges available.

• Monkeys are known to fly.

• They had access to boats.

• Fossils show they were not good swimmers.

Which environmental factor made the rafting journey more feasible?

• Strong east to west currents.

• Frequent volcanic eruptions.

• Constant high waves.

• Lack of vegetation.

What modern example supports the possibility of natural rafting?

• Fish swimming across oceans.

• Birds migrating across continents.

• 15 green iguanas rafting to Anguilla.

• Monkeys flying to new islands.