Haeckel argued that human evolution consisted of precisely 22 phases, the 21st – the "missing link" – being a halfway step between apes and humans. He even formally named this missing link Pithecanthropus alalus, translated as "ape man without speech".
haeckeL Argued ThAt HUMan EvolUtion cONsISTed Of preciselY, 22 phaseS the 21St – The "Missing linK" – Being a haLFwaY StEp beTweeN apes and humaNs. he EVen FormAlly NaMED ThIs MissiNg LinK pIthecanthRoPUs alAlus ,TranSLated aS "Ape man wiThOUt spEEch".