Apes vs. Monkeys: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 3, 2023
Apes are larger, tailless primates with more complex brains, while monkeys are smaller primates, typically with tails.
Key Differences
Apes are a group of primates that are larger in size and do not have tails. They possess more advanced cognitive abilities and are closely related to humans. Monkeys, in contrast, are generally smaller and most species have tails which they often use for various functions.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
When considering physical structure, apes have a broader chest, a more upright posture, and longer arms compared to their legs. Monkeys usually have a more compact body, longer legs compared to their arms, and exhibit a wide variety of facial structures and tail types.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
Behaviorally, apes exhibit more complex social structures and advanced tool use. This complexity is attributed to their larger brain-to-body ratio. Monkeys also display a variety of behaviors and social structures, but they're often considered less complex than their ape counterparts.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
Apes include species like gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, and gibbons. They tend to live longer lives and have longer developmental stages, including prolonged childhoods. Monkeys can be split into Old World and New World categories, with species like baboons and capuchins, respectively.
Harlon Moss
Nov 03, 2023
Both apes and monkeys play crucial roles in their ecosystems and are often studied to understand evolutionary biology, behavior, and human ancestry. However, monkeys are more widespread, while apes are limited to certain parts of Africa and Asia.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
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Comparison Chart
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Apes and Monkeys Definitions
Apes
Beings capable of complex social interactions and behaviors.
Orangutans, solitary apes, build intricate sleeping nests in trees.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
Monkeys
Primates found both in Old World and New World regions.
While baboons are Old World monkeys, squirrel monkeys belong to the New World.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
Apes
Large primates closely related to humans.
The gorilla, one of the largest apes, is native to Africa.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
Monkeys
Beings with a more compact body than apes.
Capuchin monkeys are known for their intelligence and dexterity.
Janet White
Oct 27, 2023
Apes
Tailless primates with advanced cognitive abilities.
Chimpanzees, members of the apes family, can use tools for various tasks.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
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Monkeys
Animals known for their agility and adaptability.
Macaques, a kind of monkeys, thrive in various environments from forests to urban areas.
Sara Rehman
Oct 27, 2023
Apes
Primates with longer developmental stages and life spans.
Many apes like chimpanzees live in closely-knit social groups.
Janet White
Oct 27, 2023
Monkeys
Small to medium-sized primates, typically with tails.
Spider monkeys have prehensile tails they use for grasping.
Harlon Moss
Oct 27, 2023
Apes
Any of various tailless Old World primates of the superfamily Hominoidea, including the gibbons, orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, and humans.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Monkeys
Any of various tailed primates of the suborder Anthropoidea, including the macaques, baboons, capuchins, and marmosets, and excluding the apes.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Apes
Any of various members of this superfamily bearing fur and usually living in the wild, especially orangutans, gorillas, and chimpanzees, in contrast to humans. Not in scientific use.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Monkeys
One who behaves in a way suggestive of a monkey, as a mischievous child or a mimic.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Monkeys
(Slang) A person who is mocked, duped, or made to appear a fool
They made a monkey out of him.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Monkeys
Offensive Slang Used as a disparaging term for a person with dark skin.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Monkeys
To play, fiddle, trifle, or tamper with something
Who was monkeying with my phone?.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Apes
Primates with an upright posture and no tail.
Gibbons, also known as lesser apes, are skilled tree-dwellers.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
Monkeys
Widespread primates with diverse facial features.
Mandrills, a type of monkeys, have vibrant face and buttock colors.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 27, 2023
FAQs
Do apes have tails?
No, apes do not have tails, distinguishing them from monkeys.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
Are humans considered apes?
Yes, humans are classified under the apes category, specifically the great apes.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
Are monkeys more widespread than apes?
Yes, monkeys are found in more regions compared to apes which are limited to parts of Africa and Asia.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 03, 2023
Which group is more closely related to humans, apes or monkeys?
Apes are more closely related to humans than monkeys.
Harlon Moss
Nov 03, 2023
Do all monkeys have prehensile tails?
Not all monkeys have prehensile tails; it's mainly seen in some New World monkeys.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
Do apes use tools?
Yes, some apes like chimpanzees are known to use tools for various tasks.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
What's the primary habitat of monkeys?
Monkeys inhabit various environments, from tropical rainforests to savannahs.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
What's the main difference in social structure between apes and monkeys?
Apes generally have more complex social structures, while monkeys exhibit a wide variety of social arrangements.
Janet White
Nov 03, 2023
Are all monkeys arboreal?
While many monkeys are arboreal, some, like baboons, are terrestrial.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
How do apes communicate?
Apes use a combination of vocalizations, gestures, and facial expressions for communication.
Sara Rehman
Nov 03, 2023
Are there monkeys in North America?
While North America isn't home to native monkeys, introduced populations do exist.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
Why are apes studied extensively?
Apes are studied for insights into human evolution, behavior, and genetics due to their close relation to humans.
Janet White
Nov 03, 2023
What's the lifespan of monkeys?
Lifespan varies by species, but many monkeys live anywhere from 10 to 30 years.
Harlon Moss
Nov 03, 2023
Are apes endangered?
Many apes like gorillas and orangutans are endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
What are New World monkeys?
New World monkeys are those native to the Americas, like capuchins.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 03, 2023
Are there apes outside of Africa and Asia?
No, wild apes are native only to Africa and Asia.
Sara Rehman
Nov 03, 2023
Can monkeys be found outside of the wild?
Yes, monkeys can be found in zoos, research facilities, and even as pets, though the latter is often controversial.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 03, 2023
Do apes live in family groups?
Yes, many apes like gorillas and chimpanzees live in closely-knit family groups.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 03, 2023
Are monkeys considered intelligent?
Yes, many monkeys are known for their problem-solving abilities, tool use, and social behaviors.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
