No, there are no apes naturally found in South America. The term “ape” has a specific biological definition, referring to a group of primates distinct from monkeys.
Defining Apes and Monkeys
Apes (superfamily Hominoidea) are characterized by several biological distinctions. They lack tails, a feature that sets them apart from most monkeys. Apes generally possess larger brains relative to their body size and exhibit a more upright posture. Their shoulder anatomy is specialized, allowing for a greater range of motion, including brachiation (swinging arm-over-arm through trees). Examples of apes include chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, and gibbons.
Monkeys (Simiiformes excluding Hominoidea) typically have tails, though some species might have very short ones. They generally have smaller brains compared to apes and often move on all four limbs (quadrupedal locomotion). Monkeys are broadly categorized into Old World Monkeys and New World Monkeys, with distinct geographical distributions and some differing physical traits.
Where Apes Naturally Live
All ape species are native exclusively to Africa and Asia. In Africa, great apes such as chimpanzees, bonobos, and gorillas inhabit tropical forests. Gorillas are found across equatorial Africa, including countries like Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Chimpanzees have a broader range across central and western Africa.
In Asia, orangutans are found on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. Gibbons, often referred to as lesser apes, also inhabit the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, ranging across Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.
Primates Found in South America
South America is home to a diverse array of primates, but these are all monkeys, specifically known as New World Monkeys (Platyrrhini). A key characteristic of New World Monkeys is their generally flat noses with nostrils that face sideways.
Many New World Monkey species also possess prehensile tails, which are strong and flexible enough to be used like a fifth limb for grasping branches and even supporting their entire body weight. Examples of New World Monkeys include capuchin monkeys, known for their intelligence and occasional tool use, and marmosets and tamarins, which are typically small. Howler monkeys are notable for their loud vocalizations that can be heard over long distances, while spider monkeys are recognized for their long limbs and highly prehensile tails used for agile movement through the canopy.
The Evolutionary Story
The absence of apes in South America is rooted in the evolutionary history and continental separation of primates. The ancestors of New World Monkeys diverged from Old World Monkeys and apes approximately 40 million years ago. These early monkey ancestors migrated to South America from Africa. This transatlantic journey likely occurred via natural rafts of vegetation, at a time when the Atlantic Ocean was narrower than it is today.
Apes evolved later in Africa and Asia from Old World primate ancestors, long after the continents had separated. The evolutionary lineage leading to modern apes diversified in these eastern continents. Geographical isolation prevented apes from naturally colonizing the continent, ensuring that its primate population consists solely of the diverse New World Monkeys.