There is nothing in 2001's depiction of the prehistoric past that couldn't have happened, assuming that there might be an advanced race of aliens roaming around the galaxy. If it had happened, we would have no way of knowing it now.

But regardless, it does nothing to negate evolution. I too accept evolution as a fact, but I don't feel threatened by the events in the movie. The apemen had evolved to the point they were at when the monolith showed up, and after a slight nudge in the right direction, they continued to evolve into what we are now.

The "nudge" is the science fiction bit, and all it requires is advanced science, not magic.

BTW, I appreciate being lumped in with the sharp young members of the board, but I'll be 53 next week, so I'm afraid I don't quite fit.