Along somewhat different fitness gradients, though. Meaning we've evolved some distance from them.
In fact, given the dimensionality of all possible fitness gradients, our direction of evolution is likely near-orthogonal to theirs.
Good point. Given our evolution has led to a species with the ability and tendency to destroy itself, our fitness gradient could certainly be considered inferior
but humans still don't know to open a banana from the bottom.
Are you sure you are using the banana right side up?