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🐒Monkey vs Ape🦍

People call all primates 'monkeys', but apes are a distinct group. A few clear features make the difference obvious.

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🐒Monkey
  • Most species have a long tail
  • Generally smaller and lighter bodies
  • Often run along branches on all fours
  • Very large number of species worldwide
🦍Ape
  • No tail at all
  • Larger bodies and bigger brains
  • Includes humans, gorillas and chimps
  • Capable of advanced tool use and learning

Verdict

If it has a tail, it is almost always a monkey; if not, it is likely an ape. Apes are larger, brainier and include humans themselves.

Frequently asked

What is the main difference between a monkey and an ape?+

Most monkeys have tails, while apes have no tail and tend to be larger with bigger brains.

Are humans apes?+

Yes, humans are classified as great apes, alongside chimps, gorillas and orangutans.

Are gibbons monkeys or apes?+

Gibbons are apes, specifically the lesser apes, and have no tail.

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