What is the difference between monkeys, apes and gorillas?

While apes and monkeys are both primates, and are part of the same primate suborder, there are lots of differences between them. There are also lots of other sorts of primates. The distinction between different primate groups is based on physical characteristics and evolutionary ancestry. read more

To help understand the difference between monkeys, apes, and gorillas, since a picture is worth a thousand words, here are two figures showing the primate family tree* (both from the Nature article, Macroevolution: Examples from the Primate World). The first figure reflects the diversity in each branch through the widths of the branches. read more

Monkey vs Gorilla | Features, Characteristics, Lifespan These two primates are different and similar in many ways. Evolutionarily, taxonomically, and also according to the body form and posture with food habits, the monkeys and gorillas could be differentiated. read more

Ape species include humans, gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, gibbons, and bonobos. In evolutionary and genetic terms, ape species are much closer to humans than monkeys are. In addition to having similar basic body structures, apes are highly intelligent and can exhibit human-like behavior. read more