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Introduction

Apes are the animals that are most closely related to humans. Both apes and humans are members of the scientific group of animals called primates. Monkeys are primates, too. However, apes differ from monkeys in several ways. For instance, apes have more complex brains than monkeys do. Also, monkeys have tails but apes do not.

The apes are divided into two categories: great apes and lesser apes. Gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, and bonobos are great apes. They are larger and more intelligent than the lesser apes. The gibbons are lesser apes.

The great apes are classified in the Hominidae family. This family also includes humans.

Where Apes Live

Apes live in warm or hot rainforests. Gibbons and orangutans are found in southeastern Asia. Gorillas and chimpanzees are found in western and central Africa. Bonobos have the smallest range. They are found only in part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a country in central Africa.

Gibbons and orangutans live mainly in trees. On the other hand, gorillas spend most of their time on the ground. Chimpanzees and bonobos tend to eat and sleep in trees, but they travel mostly on the ground.

Physical Features

The smallest apes are the gibbons. Most gibbons are about 16 to 26 inches (40 to 65 centimeters) long. Gorillas are the largest apes. They may grow to about 66 inches (170 centimeters) in length and weigh 300 to 600 pounds (135 to 275 kilograms).

All apes have a coat of hair, which is usually tan, brown, black, gray, or reddish. They have long arms and shorter legs. Gorillas, orangutans, and chimpanzees generally have powerful arms and broad chests. Bonobos and gibbons are more slender. Like humans, all apes have thumbs that can bend to meet the other fingers. The big toes of apes can also bend to meet the other toes.

Behavior

Most apes are active during the day. They usually sleep in trees at night. All apes except gibbons build nests for sleeping.

Most apes live in groups. Chimpanzees and bonobos are the most social, sometimes living in groups of more than 100 animals. However, male adult orangutans live mostly alone.

Apes eat mainly plants, including fruits, leaves, stalks, and seeds. Sometimes they eat insects or other small animals. Chimpanzees also hunt and kill monkeys and other mammals for food.

Great apes are very intelligent. Some chimpanzees and orangutans in the wild use sticks or other objects as tools. For instance, some chimpanzees poke sticks into ant or termite nests. The chimps pull the sticks out and eat the insects clinging to them. Scientists study the learning abilities of apes in laboratories and zoos. They have taught some great apes to communicate using sign language or pictures of symbols. However, not all scientists agree that these apes have truly learned to use language.

Reproduction

Reproduction in apes is similar to reproduction in humans. A female ape usually gives birth after a pregnancy of seven to nine months. Normally a single baby is born. Twins are rare. Baby apes are nearly helpless for the first few months after birth. Adult apes may provide care for the young for several years.

Under Threat

Most types of ape are endangered, or at risk of dying out completely in the wild. Humans have cut down the trees in forests where some apes live, destroying their habitats. People also kill apes for their meat. However, people have also begun trying to save these animals. Some countries have national parks to protect apes and their habitats. Laws also make it illegal to hunt or capture endangered apes.

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Did You Know?

The great apes are classified in the Hominidae family. This family also includes humans.

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