Carico, you may be aware that biologists use a heirarchical classification system for organisms. For instance, within the group, "insects," (class Insecta), we have a smaller group called "beetles" (order Coleoptera). Within that group we have smaller divisions (families, genera, species, etc.). Right? So, for example, a southern pine beetle (genus
Dendroctonus, species
frontalis) is in the bark beetle subfamily (Scolytinae) of the weevil family (Curculionidae) which is a type of beetle (order Coleoptera) and an insect (class Insecta) and an arthropod (phylum Arthopoda) which is a type of animal (kingdom Animalia).
An "ape" is not a species. Apes are a superfamily of animals (superfamily Hominoidea), which includes many species, such as gibbons, siamangs, gorillas, chimps, and orangutans. The "great apes" are in the family Hominidae, and according to biologists, humans are placed within this family, along with chimps, gorillas, and orangutans.
So, you confuse the issue terribly when you argue that "apes and humans are not the same species." I hope that this explanation will help you communicate more productively.
Edit: whoops, Percy beat me to it.
This message has been edited by Belfry, 12-23-2005 10:13 AM