Final answer:
The false statement is that chimpanzees are more closely related to gorillas than to humans; in fact, chimpanzees are more closely related to humans. The correct answer is B
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the statements presented, the false one is (b) Chimpanzees are more closely related to gorillas than to humans. The evolutionary relationship between humans, chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans has been extensively researched, particularly with genetic studies that provide a clearer picture of how these species diverged over time. Genetic and fossil evidence suggests that the last common ancestor of humans and chimpanzees lived approximately six million years ago, which indicates that chimpanzees are more closely related to humans than to gorillas.
Statement (a) is likely true based on paleontological evidence suggesting that the last common ancestor of humans, chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans lived around 14 million years ago. Statement (c) aligns with scientific consensus that humans and chimpanzees diverged about 6 million years ago. Finally, statement (d) is accurate as orangutans are indeed the most divergent of the group, with evidence suggesting their lineage split earliest from the common ancestor of the great apes.