Why do we need 46 chromosomes?

We evolved to have 46, but we definitely don't need that many. Most of our genes can be combined into a few chromosomes if nature evolved perfectly.

To give you an idea, chimpanzees I believe have 48. Our chromosome 2 is a combination of two chromosomes founds in chimps, and we know that because our contains the same genes found in 2 separate chromosomes of those found in chimps. And, combining their 2 smaller ones is the size of our chromosome 2. Why's this important? Because chromosome number doesn't matter. As long as all the genes are present, and the correct amount, in theory is enough to program a species