Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large, tailless primate of the family Hominidae: "great ape" refers to any of the large, intelligent primates that are most closely related to humans, characterized by their lack of a tail, large brain size, and complex social behaviors. This group traditionally includes orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, and bonobos. Modern taxonomy often includes humans (Homo sapiens) within this family as well.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The gorilla is a powerful great ape found in the forests of central Africa.
  • Conservation efforts are crucial for protecting the habitats of all great apes.
  • Researchers study tool use in great apes to understand the evolution of intelligence.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic context: The term "great ape" is used in biological classification to distinguish these larger, more human-like primates from the smaller "lesser apes" (gibbons and siamangs).
  • The genetic similarities between humans and other great apes are remarkably high.

Variants and Related Words

• Hominid (n): A member of the biological family Hominidae, which includes the great apes and humans. This is a more technical synonym.
  • Fossil evidence helps us understand early hominid evolution.
• Pongid (n): An older taxonomic term for a great ape of the family Pongidae, which historically excluded humans. This term is less common in modern classification.
• Lesser ape (n): A contrasting term for the smaller apes of the family Hylobatidae (gibbons).

Synonyms

• Anthropoid ape: A primate of the suborder Anthropoidea, which includes monkeys and apes, but often used specifically for apes.
• Large ape: A descriptive, non-technical synonym.

Related Phrases

• Great ape conservation: A common phrase referring to international efforts to protect these endangered species.
  • She dedicated her career to great ape conservation.

Related Idioms

Noun

1. any of the large anthropoid apes of the family Pongidae