wrong turn of evolution!!

Consider an ape and a human. An ape is much stronger and quicker than a human. Leave these two in the jungle and probable the ape would do a better job of staying alive. So what was the need for such evolution...where did evolution take such a turn.

Here is a theory that came out of a much spirited (literally ;)) discussion I was a part of this evening.

The evolution kept going right and if you agree that evolution happened in patches, then let me suggest this theory. A group of apes evolved into having much stronger brain power. (the point is, evolution focussed on the brain power for this patch having reached some level of physical abilities) These group of apes were strong enough to stop the predators just by their brain power, that was their gift of evolution for them to survive the wild. While evolution took this path, their physical powers kept on decreasing. Other lesser evolved apes gathered around them for protection and support. Slowly settlements appeared and the lesser apes also stopped evolving as stronger, faster wilder beings.

These group of highly evolved apes became the super creatures and took the place of Gods,priests and magic men. But sadly as settlements grew and civilizations started kicking in, there was much lesser need for them to use this evolved brain power and over the centuries they too lost it. We ended up evolving as human beings, weaker, slower and much tamer that the survivors of the wild.

Nice theory.. just for the heck of it.. Quite a different flavor from the well known Darwing and my fav Erich von Daniken..If any of you ever come across a simillar theory do let me know.

btw the discussion started off discussing religion!!