The Evolution and Extinction of Aquaprimates

Mer are aquaprimates.  Physical and genetic similarities show that the modern Mer species has a very close relationship to homo sapiens.  They share a common ancestor that lived between 8 and 6 million years ago.  The first aquaprimates evolved off the coast of Africa in the Red Sea.

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Paralleling the biological evolution of early Mer was the development of cultural technologies that allowed them to become increasingly successful at acquiring food and surviving predators.  Advances in the Coral Age saw the development of high technology, sophisticated architecture and advanced science. 

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Playful and secretive in nature, the Mer kept their elaborate civilization hidden from homo sapiens.  Humans long suspected their existence and records of Mer sightings go back thousands of years.  They are known for their ability to sing in the most alluring way and generate an enthrallment with nature.  Unfortunately, due to recent ocean acidification and temperature rise, the Mer are thought to be extinct.