What is the Difference Between Monkeys and Apes?

While both belong to the Primate family, monkeys and apes are distinctly different from one another. Millions of years ago, familial ancestors to both groups were identical, but evolution led to divisions within the family. They are both physically and evolutionarily separate, with clear distinctions apparent between them.

Primates are divided into two groups, prosimians and anthropoids. The prosimian group includes lemurs and tarsiers, and is considered the more primitive group. Anthropoids are further divided into three groups: monkeys, apes, and hominids, including humans.

The monkey subgroup contains over 200 different species of monkey, including baboons, tamarins, macaques, and capuchins. It is also divided into geographical groups, with Old World monkeys inhabiting Africa and Asia, and New World monkeys living throughout Central and South America. Apes are also divided, but along terms of size. Gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, and orangutans are called “greater apes” because of their large body size, while gibbons and siamangs are often referred to as “lesser apes.”

While both monkeys and apes share certain physical features, such as forward-facing eyes and flexible limbs, there are several physical differences between the two groups. No ape species possesses a tail, while monkeys do. Monkeys are much more used to life in trees than apes, and use their tail as a fifth limb. Additionally, monkeys are not capable of using their arms to swing between branches, as apes can. Having a tail makes monkeys ideally suited for life in the treetops, while apes seem to have evolved to live comfortably on the ground or in trees.

With the exception of the gibbon, apes are considerably larger than monkeys. They have broad backs and arms that are longer than their legs. Most monkeys feature chests that a longer than they are broad, and have an arm-length equal to or shorter than their legs.

The greatest differences between these primates are believed to lie in intelligence levels. Monkeys are far more similar to the primitive prosimians in brain capacity and capabilities. Apes are closer to their human counterparts, able to learn forms of sign language, use tools, and display problem solving skills. It is believed that apes, particularly chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans, are much more similar to humans than they are to monkeys. Some ape species carry a 98% genetic match with humans, while monkeys are considerably less similar.

Monkeys and apes are clearly different, despite common terminology often using the words as interchangeable. One thing both share in common, however, is a high level of endangerment and extinction threats. These animals have survived for millions of years and through considerable threats to their environments. People who would like to help protect them should contact a reputable conservation agency and ask about their efforts to prevent harm from being done to our closest animal cousins.

Monkeys typically have tails, which are absent in apes. Apes possess a more upright body structure, broader chests, and more flexible shoulder joints, aiding in brachiation. Monkeys are generally smaller than apes, and while both have forward-facing eyes, apes have a larger brain relative to body size, contributing to their higher intelligence.

Yes, monkeys and apes exhibit distinct social behaviors. Many monkeys live in larger, more hierarchical groups, while apes tend to form smaller, more flexible social units. For example, chimpanzees, a type of ape, have complex social bonds and can form communities of up to 120 individuals, with intricate communication and social relationships.

Monkeys are found in a variety of habitats, from tropical rainforests to savannas and even snowy regions in Japan. Apes, on the other hand, are more limited in distribution, primarily residing in the tropical forests of Africa and Asia. Deforestation has critically impacted ape habitats, with the World Wildlife Fund reporting significant habitat loss for species like orangutans.

Monkeys are often omnivorous, eating a varied diet that includes fruits, insects, and small animals. Apes, such as gorillas, have a predominantly herbivorous diet, consisting mainly of leaves, stems, and fruit. Chimpanzees and bonobos, however, include more animal protein in their diets, occasionally hunting smaller mammals.

While both monkeys and apes have demonstrated the use of tools and problem-solving abilities, apes show more advanced use of tools and cognitive complexity. Chimpanzees, for instance, are known to use sticks to extract termites from mounds and rocks to crack nuts, showcasing their problem-solving skills and foresight.

Many species of monkeys and apes face threats from habitat destruction, hunting, and the illegal wildlife trade. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), numerous species are at risk, with great apes like gorillas and orangutans listed as critically endangered. Conservation efforts are crucial to prevent further declines in their populations.