Inverted tree of evolution

The NY Times usually has good graphics, but this chart seems inverted. It shows the evolution of chimpanzees, gorillas, and humans from the forest ape of 8 million years ago.

When a “family tree” chart is used, I am used to seeing the passage of time, and successive generations, move down the page. In this chart, it moves upward. Here I found it easier to view when I inverted it, rotating the tree pattern to a root pattern.

After the webpage opens, click the link on the right labeled “Chart: way back when.”

[link updated February 2005]