Monkey vs. Ape: What’s the Difference?
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Monkey vs. Ape: What’s the Difference?
Monkeys and apes are both primates, but they are not the same thing. The easiest difference for most readers is that apes generally do not have tails, while many monkeys do. Monkeys also include Old World and New World groups with many different species.
This refreshed CyberMunkiez archive article supports the Monkey and Primate Species Guide.
What Counts as a Monkey?
Monkeys include species such as capuchins, macaques, baboons, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, marmosets, tamarins, mandrills, langurs, and colobus monkeys.
What Counts as an Ape?
Apes include chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, orangutans, gibbons, and humans. Apes are primates, but they are not monkeys.
The Tail Difference
Many monkeys have tails. Some New World monkeys have prehensile tails that can grip branches. Apes generally do not have tails.
Body and Movement Differences
Monkeys and apes often move differently because their bodies are built differently. Spider monkeys use tails and long limbs in trees. Gorillas and chimpanzees are apes with different body plans and movement styles.
Why People Mix Them Up
People often use “monkey” casually for any primate. That is why shoppers and readers may search for monkey shirts, ape shirts, gorilla designs, chimp designs, and primate gifts together.