A common misconception suggests that gorillas are a type of monkey. While both gorillas and monkeys are primates, they belong to distinct classifications. Gorillas are apes, not monkeys, and understanding this difference requires examining their biological characteristics and evolutionary paths.
Understanding Primates: Apes and Monkeys
Primates are a broad order of mammals that includes humans, apes, and monkeys. A primary distinguishing feature between apes and monkeys is the presence or absence of a tail. Almost all monkeys possess tails, whereas apes do not have external tails. This difference reflects varying locomotor patterns.
Apes generally exhibit a larger body size and possess broader chests with shoulder joints adapted for swinging through trees, a movement known as brachiation. Conversely, monkeys are typically smaller, with narrower chests, and are more suited for running across branches using all four limbs. Apes also tend to have larger brains relative to their body size and display more advanced cognitive abilities compared to monkeys.
Defining Monkeys
Monkeys are a highly diverse group of primates, predominantly characterized by the presence of a tail, which can vary greatly in length and function. Many species use their tails for balance, particularly when navigating arboreal environments. Some New World monkeys, found in Central and South America, possess prehensile tails that can grasp and hold objects like a fifth limb.
Monkeys typically move quadrupedally, running along branches. Their physical characteristics also include generally smaller body sizes compared to apes, and many species have opposable thumbs and toes for grasping. Monkeys are broadly divided into Old World monkeys (Africa and Asia) and New World monkeys (the Americas), which differ in features such as nose shape and dental structure.
Defining Gorillas
Gorillas are the largest living primates and are classified as apes. Their immense size and robust build differentiate them significantly from monkeys. Adult male gorillas, known as silverbacks due to the distinctive silver hair that develops on their backs, can weigh up to 200 kilograms (440 pounds) and stand around 1.7 meters (5.5 feet) tall.
Gorillas are primarily terrestrial animals, spending most of their time on the ground. Their characteristic mode of locomotion is knuckle-walking, where they support their upper body weight on the knuckles of their hands while moving on all fours. While they occasionally stand or run bipedally for short distances, this is not their primary form of movement. Gorillas live in highly structured social groups, typically led by a dominant silverback male who is responsible for the group’s protection. Their diet is predominantly herbivorous, consisting of stems, leaves, shoots, and fruits.