Differences between Ape and Monkey

Ape vs. Monkey

Apes and monkeys are both simian primates, but they belong to different biological groups. While casual use sometimes conflates the terms, there are consistent anatomical and behavioral distinctions between them. Apes are classified in the superfamily Hominoidea, while monkeys are split into two groups: New World monkeys (Platyrrhini) from Central and South America and Old World monkeys (Cercopithecoidea) from Africa and Asia. Genetically, apes and Old World monkeys are more closely related to each other than either is to New World monkeys.

Comparison Table

Category	Ape	Monkey
Tail	No tail	Almost always has a tail
Body Structure	Broad chest, shorter and less flexible spine	Narrow chest, flexible spine similar to other mammals
Size	Generally larger and heavier	Generally smaller and lighter
Locomotion	Swings from branches (brachiation), walks on knuckles, or upright (bipedalism)	Primarily runs along the tops of branches on four limbs (quadrupedalism)
Brain Size	Larger brain-to-body size ratio	Smaller brain-to-body size ratio
Intelligence	Considered more intelligent, with greater problem-solving abilities and tool use	Cognitive abilities are generally less complex than apes'
Native Location	Africa and Southeast Asia	Central and South America (New World), Africa and Asia (Old World)
Molar Cusps	Five cusps (Y-5 pattern)	Four cusps

Venn diagram comparing Differences between Ape and Monkey

Anatomy and Locomotion

The most easily identifiable difference is the absence of a tail in apes. Monkeys almost uniformly possess tails, which can be prehensile for grasping in some New World species. This distinction is due to a genetic mutation in the ape lineage that led to the loss of the tail.

Structurally, apes have broad chests and highly mobile shoulder joints adapted for brachiation (swinging through trees). Their body plan is more upright, with a shorter, stiffer spine, which facilitates bipedal movement for short distances in some species. Monkeys, by contrast, have a narrower rib cage and a skeletal structure more akin to a four-footed mammal, built for running across branches rather than swinging beneath them.

Intelligence and Behavior

Apes are generally regarded as more intelligent than monkeys. They possess a larger brain relative to their body size, which is correlated with more advanced cognitive functions. Apes have demonstrated superior problem-solving skills, tool use, and more complex communication abilities. Some apes have even been taught to use human sign language. While monkeys exhibit complex social behaviors and can use vocalizations and body language, their cognitive and language skills are not as developed as those of apes.

Diversity and Distribution

The diversity of monkeys is far greater than that of apes. There are hundreds of monkey species found across the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Apes comprise a much smaller group, including gibbons (lesser apes), and the great apes: orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, and humans. Wild apes are found only in Africa and Southeast Asia.