great ape
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- any of the large anthropoid apes of the family Pongidae