Great ape
Great ape
Great ape (pronunciation: /ɡreɪt eɪp/) refers to the group of primates that includes four extant species: orangutans, gorillas, bonobos, and chimpanzees, as well as humans.
Etymology
The term "great ape" is derived from the taxonomic family Hominidae (also known as great apes). The word "ape" comes from Old English apa, which has cognates in several other Germanic languages, including Old Norse api and Old High German affo.
Definition
Great apes, or Hominidae, are a taxonomic family of primates that includes seven extant species in four genera: Pongo (the Bornean, Sumatran and Tapanuli orangutan); Gorilla (the eastern and western gorilla); Pan (the common chimpanzee and the bonobo); and Homo, of which only one species survives (Homo sapiens, or humans).
Characteristics
Great apes are distinguished from other primates by their larger size, and by a suite of anatomical and behavioral characteristics, including a lack of a tail, a highly flexible shoulder joint, and a well-developed brain that allows for advanced problem-solving and tool use.
Related Terms
- Primate: The order of mammals that includes great apes, as well as monkeys and prosimians.
- Hominidae: The taxonomic family that includes great apes and humans.
- Hominin: A term used to describe a group that includes humans and their closest extinct relatives.
- Hominoid: A term used to describe the group that includes all great apes and humans.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Great ape
- Wikipedia's article - Great ape
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