Gibbon, (family Hylobatidae), any of approximately 20 species of small apes found in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. Features that separate the apes from other groups of primates include: Gorillas are the largest apes. Gibbons are not monkeys. One of the gibbons that had its genome sequenced is a white-cheeked gibbon (Nomascus leucogenys, NLE) named Asia. This is an indication that these major differences in humans and gibbons could have had a common source of plasticity or change. How many cervical vertebrae do giraffes have? Monkeys. There are two main groups of apes, the Great Apes and the Lesser Apes. Gibbons live in subtropical and tropical rainforest from eastern Bangladesh to Northeast India to southern China and Indonesia (including the islands of Sumatra, Borneo, and Java). The non-human types of apes are divided into two groups: great apes — gorillas, bonobos, chimpanzees and orangutans — and lesser apes — gibbons and siamangs. No, gibbons are apes. IUCN Species Survival Commission Primate Specialist Group, "Gibbon Conservation Center Working to Save South Asia's Hoolock Gibbons & Other "Small Apes, "Gibbon genome and the fast karyotype evolution of small apes", "Coalescent-Based Analyses of Genomic Sequence Data Provide a Robust Resolution of Phylogenetic Relationships among Major Groups of Gibbons", "Gibbon systematics and species identification", "Gibbon Systematics and Species Identification", "Extinct gibbon found in tomb of ancient Chinese emperor's grandmother", "New species of gibbon discovered in China", "A stray molar is the oldest known fossil from an ancient gibbon - Ancestors of these small-bodied apes were in India roughly 13 million years ago, a study suggests", "New Middle Miocene ape (Primates: Hylobatidae) from Ramnagar, India fills major gaps in the hominoid fossil record", "The Syntax and Meaning of Wild Gibbon Songs", Recognizing gibbons from their regional accents, "A high-resolution map of synteny disruptions in gibbon and human genomes", "Functional anatomy of the gibbon forelimb: Adaptations to a brachiating lifestyle", https://www.reuters.com/article/us-science-gibbons-idUSKBN0H520320140910, "Comprehensive analyses of white-handed gibbon chromosomes enables access to 92 evolutionary conserved breakpoints compared to the human genome", http://www.kalaweit.org/sites-kalaweit-sumatra.php, "Letter of Endorsement - Year of the Gibbon", "Gibbon paintings in China, Japan, and Korea: Historical distribution, production rate and context", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gibbon&oldid=992884097, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Although rare, there are a few completely white gibbons. They live across 11 countries including India, Myanmar, China, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Cambodia, mainly in tropical evergreen rainforests. In the concolor group, which is classified in the genus Nomascus, both sexes are black as juveniles, but the females lighten to buff with maturity, so that the two sexes look quite different as adults. On the ground, gibbons walk erect with the arms held aloft or behind. Gibbons are arboreal; they spend most of their lives in trees. [2], The family is divided into four genera based on their diploid chromosome number: Hylobates (44), Hoolock (38), Nomascus (52), and Symphalangus (50). The difference in colour comes about with age; the juveniles are buff and both sexes darken with age, but the male does so much more rapidly. No, gibbons do not make good pets. They live in forests, and are able to swing from tree to tree at incredible speeds. Evol. The other is COL1A1, which is responsible for the development of collagen, a protein that is directly involved with the forming of connective tissues as well as bone and cartilage development. [36][37], The IUCN Species Survival Commission Primate Specialist Group announced 2015 to be the Year of the Gibbon[38] and initiated events to be held around the world in zoos to promote awareness of the status of gibbons. Gibbons are arboreal; they spend most of their lives in trees. They are highly arboreal and bipedal on the ground. Gibbons do not have visible, external tails. There are two extant branches of the superfamily Hominoidea: the gibbons, or lesser apes; and the hominids, or great apes. A Gibbon is often described as a Monkey but most classify them as Apes. "Due to a lack of research, we don't know for sure if the small apes; gibbons and siamangs can catch diseases like COVID-19 from humans. "My Dad's a scientist and he taught me about evolution and that started to really get me fascinated with great apes," she said. [29], In addition, there are characteristic genes in the gibbon genome which had gone through a positive selection and are suggested to give rise to specific anatomical features for gibbons to adapt to their new environment. These fascinating apes are monogamous and mate for life. In most species, males and some females sing solos to attract mates, as well as advertise their territories. [39], The sinologist Robert van Gulik concluded gibbons were widespread in central and southern China until at least the Song dynasty, and furthermore, based on an analysis of references to primates in Chinese poetry and other literature and their portrayal in Chinese paintings, the Chinese word yuán (猿) referred specifically to gibbons until they were extirpated throughout most of the country due to habitat destruction (circa 14th century). These very acrobatic primates live in southeast Asia. But disease transmission from and to humans is well-documented in the great apes like gorillas and chimpanzees," she said. Each genus comprises a distinct, well-delineated lineage, but the sequence and timing of divergences among these genera has been hard to resolve, even with whole genome data, due to radiative speciations and extensive incomplete lineage sorting. Thus, gibbons are organisms that genetics research could be focused on to broaden the implications to human diseases related to chromosomal changes like cancer, such as chronic myeloid leukemia. These very acrobatic primates live in southeast Asia. van Gulik, Robert. [10], At the species level, estimates from mitochondrial DNA genome analyses suggest that Hylobates pileatus diverged from H. lar and H. agilis around 3.9 Mya, and H. lar and H. agilis separated around 3.3 Mya. Reuters. Retrieved April 7, 2020 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140910132518.htm. The white-handed gibbon (H. lar), of northern Sumatra and most of the Malay Peninsula northward through Thailand into Yunnan, China, is similar but has white extremities. From Chinese cultural influence, the Zen motif of the "gibbon grasping at the reflection of the moon in the water" became popular in Japanese art, as well, though gibbons have never occurred naturally in Japan. Tarsiers are highly arboreal primates that have expanded pads on the digits to improve grasping, whereas many other arboreal mammals have claws or well-developed nails.…. The classification of the great apes has been revised several times in the last few decades; these revisions have led to a varied use of the word "hominid" over time. They have lighter bodies and smaller social groups than great apes. [18] However, no records exist of fertile hybrids between different gibbon genera, either in the wild or in captivity. [30], Researchers have found a coincidence between major environmental changes in southeast Asia about 5 million years ago that caused a cyclical dynamic of expansions and contractions of their forest habitat; an instance of radiation experienced by the gibbon genera. Mol. Hominidae - wikipedia, the free encyclopedia "Great apes", "Hominid", and "Hominids" redirect here. They are known for their ability to swing from one tree to another with great agility and swiftness. Gibbons were the first apes to diverge from the common ancestor of humans and apes about 16.8 million years ago. The family historically contained one genus, but now is split into four extant genera and 18 species. The siamang (S. syndactylus) inhabits the forests of Sumatra and Malaya. 1 fossil of a different genus dating from the Pleistocene. Adult males are black and females are brown, with colour changes similar to those seen in the concolor group. Lesser apes. Early Chinese writers viewed the "noble" gibbons, gracefully moving high in the treetops, as the "gentlemen" (jūnzǐ, 君子) of the forest, in contrast to the greedy macaques, attracted by human food. [2] An extinct sixth genus, Junzi, was identified in 2018 based on a partial skull found in China. [7][8] An analysis based on morphology suggests that the four genera are ordered as (Symphalangus, (Nomascus, (Hoolock, Hylobates)))[9], A coalescent-based species tree analysis of genome-scale datasets suggests a phylogeny for the four genera ordered as (Hylobates, (Nomascus, (Hoolock, Symphalangus))). These very acrobatic primates live in southeast Asia. The family historically contained one genus, but now is split into four extant genera and 18 species. The various species of gibbons can be divided into four genera: Hoolock, Hylobates, Nomascus, and Symphalangus. One of them is TBX5, which is a gene that is required for the development of the front extremities or forelimbs such as long arms. Both sexes have throat sacs and much harsher voices than those of the lar and concolor groups. The unusually high number of structural changes in the DNA and chromosomal rearrangements could lead to problematic consequences in some species. Single offspring are born after about seven months’ gestation and take seven years to mature. [8] Whole genome analysis suggests divergence of Hylobates pileatus from Hylobates moloch 1.5-3.0 Mya. [19], Gibbon skulls and teeth resemble those of the great apes, and their noses are similar to those of all catarrhine primates. The controversy often continues and so you will find information out there about them in both categories. Apes (including humans) possess the same general features that all primates share but they differ from other primates in a number of distinctive ways. In ape. Gibbons are small apes comprising 20 species, all of which are endemic to South and Southeast Asia. [31] Gibbons, however, not only seemed to be free from problems but let the change help them effectively adapt to their environment. Gibbons are also known as lesser apes, because they are very different from great apes such as gorillas and chimpanzees. [29] This gene is thought to have a role in gibbons having stronger muscles. Molecular data indicate that the four groups are as different from one another as chimpanzees are from humans. Ms Williams said COVID-19 might be one of the diseases gibbons could be susceptible to. An essay in Chinese animal lore." The current conservation status of gibbon species is alarming - all but one is listed as either Endangered or Critically Endangered. The Taoists ascribed occult properties to gibbons, believing them to be able to live for several hundred years and to turn into humans. Eastern silvery gibbon or central Javan gibbon, This page was last edited on 7 December 2020, at 16:46. Apes are human’s closest living relatives. But disease transmission from and to humans is well-documented in the great apes like gorillas and chimpanzees," she said. The meaning of the taxon Hominidae changed gradually, leading to a modern usage of "hominid" that includes all the great apes including humans. The animals are best known for their loud, penetrating calls and their ability to swing athletically from one tree branch to another. Western silvery gibbon or western Javan gibbon. Interspecific hybrids, hybrids within a genus, are also suspected to occur in wild gibbons where their ranges overlap. The gibbons are also known as the small apes. Gibbons are small apes found throughout Southeast Asia. The dental formula is 2.1.2.32.1.2.3 [20] The siamang, which is the largest of the 18 species, is distinguished by having two fingers on each foot stuck together, hence the generic and species names Symphalangus and syndactylus. The family Hylobatidae, the lesser apes, include four genera and a total of sixteen species of gibbon, including the lar gibbon and the siamang, all native to Asia. Their ball-and-socket wrist joints allow them unmatched speed and accuracy when swinging through trees. E. J. Brill, Leiden, Holland. Humans are apes, apes describe several different species including humans(Usually this group are called the Great Apes (Hominidae). Family Hominidae (great apes and humans) 4 genera, 7 African and Eurasian species until human expansion since the Late Pleistocene.…, …is an adaptation seen in gibbons. They are smaller than Apes and they don’t have the size differences. With 12 species, the gibbons comprise the largestgroup of the apes. [23], Gibbons often retain the same mate for life, although they do not always remain sexually monogamous. The decrease in gibbon population is also largely due to habitat loss as a result of urban expansion and land conversion, mostly for agriculture. Researchers view this unusually high rate of chromosomal rearrangement that is specific in small apes like gibbons could potentially be due to factors that increase the rate of chromosomal breakage or factors that allow derivative chromosomes to be fixated in a homozygous state while mostly lost in other mammals.[28]. The males have an upstanding tuft of hair on top of the head and a small inflatable throat sac. Phylogenet. Gibbons are intelligent and social animals. Gibbons make up the “lesser apes” group, the largest group of all the apes. They can also make leaps up to 8 m (26 ft), and walk bipedally with their arms raised for balance. [6], Whole genome molecular dating analyses indicate that the gibbon lineage diverged from that of great apes around 16.8 million years ago (Mya) (95% confidence interval: 15.9 – 17.6 Mya; given a divergence of 29 Mya from Old World monkeys). Zookeepers teach people about gibbons, and how we should be conserving their natural habitat. Kloss’s gibbon (H. klossii), from the Mentawai Islands west of Sumatra, is completely black throughout its life. [34] On the island of Phuket in Thailand, a volunteer-based Gibbon Rehabilitation Center rescues gibbons that were kept in captivity, and are being released back into the wild. They occur in tropical and subtropical rainforests from northeast India to Indonesia and north to southern China, including the islands of Sumatra, Borneo and Java. The lars, a group of species classified in the genus Hylobates, are the smallest and have the densest body hair. [22] The song can be used to identify not only which species of gibbon is singing, but also the area from which it comes. [40], Gibbon figurines as old as from the fourth to third centuries BCE (the Zhou dynasty) have been found in China. (2014, September 10). Baylor College of Medicine.

They have a body that is designed for speed and movement. They also differ from great apes in having longer arms, dense hair, and a throat sac used for amplifying sound. With a genome that has a 96% similarity to humans, the gibbon has a role as a bridge between Old World Monkeys like macaques and the great apes. The original meaning of the term referred to only humans and their closest relatives—what is now the modern meaning of the term "hominin". The dark-handed gibbon (H. agilis), which lives on Sumatra south of Lake Toba and on the Malay Peninsula between the Perak and Mudah rivers, may be either tan or black and has white facial markings. Gibbons - the small, long-armed tree swingers that inhabit the dense tropical forests of Southeast Asia - have become the last of the planet's apes to have their genetic secrets revealed.

Corrections? … The great apes are much more intelligent than monkeys and gibbons. The team found that a jumping DNA element named LAVA transposon (also called gibbon-specific retrotransposon) is unique to the gibbon genome apart from humans and the great apes. The large and entirely black siamang is found alongside white- and dark-handed gibbons on the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra. Knowing that gibbon and orangutan ancestors existed in the same spot together in northern India 13 million years ago, and … In modern usage, however, yuán is a generic word for ape. (2014, September 10). "[24][25], Gibbons are among nature's best brachiators. You may hear them called the Lesser Apes at times too. Adding up, this implies that at least 52 major chromosomal rearrangements are needed to compare the common hominoid ancestor to today’s gibbons. [35] The Kalaweit Project also has gibbon rehabilitation centers on Borneo and Sumatra. Some of the more pronounced differences include having longer arms, dense hair, and a throat sac used for amplifying sound. Gibbons are still widely distributed in the rainforests and monsoon forests of Southeast Asia, but they are more and more under threat as their forest habitat is destroyed. [7] Adaptive divergence associated with chromosomal rearrangements led to rapid radiation of the four genera 5-7 Mya. Gibbons are referred to as small apes along with their siamang cousins. The karyotype of gibbons, however, diverged in a much more rapid fashion from the common hominoid ancestor than other apes. Get exclusive access to content from our 1768 First Edition with your subscription. Gibbons are among the most endangered apes and among the most critically endangered of all non-human primate species. Gibbon, (family Hylobatidae), any of approximately 20 species of small apes found in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/animal/gibbon-primate, gibbon - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), gibbon - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). Gibbons differ from great apes in a number of physical ways. Gibbons are small, slender, long-armed, tree-dwelling apes. Living in small family groups, gibbons are mostly monogamous. apes (Hominoidea). The smallest apes are the gibbons. There are about twelve species (kinds) of gibbon, making them the largest group in the ape... Habitat and distribution (where they are found). Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). "Due to a lack of research, we don't know for sure if the small apes; gibbons and siamangs can catch diseases like COVID-19 from humans. [3] Like all apes, gibbons are tailless. Gibbon populations continue to dwindle because of poaching, one of the major threats to these small apes whose bones are commonly used in traditional medicine as ‘monkey bone balm’ or tonic additives. In fact, we shared a common ancestor with gibbons as recently as 16.8 million years ago! They are strongly territorial, and defend their boundaries with vigorous visual and vocal displays. “Today, gibbons and orangutans can both be found in Sumatra and Borneo in Southeast Asia, and the oldest fossil apes are from Africa. Mariani Ramli, known as Bam to her friends, is a Malaysian conservationist and the founder of the Gibbon Protection Society Malaysia (GPSM), the only NGO in Peninsular Malaysia dedicated to conserving their resident gibbons. The sexes look alike in the silvery gibbon (H. moloch) of Java and in the white-bearded (H. albibarbis) and Müller’s (H. muelleri) gibbons, both from different parts of Borneo. The hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock) is found from Myanmar west of the Salween River into Assam, India, and Bangladesh. In addition to extra-pair copulations, pair-bonded gibbons occasionally "divorce. There are 18 different species of gibbons, and each species is different from the next. "The gibbon in China. They are the fastest and most agile of all tree-dwelling, nonflying mammals.[4]. Gibbons are the small apes that are grouped in the family Hylobatidae.The family is divided into four genera based on their diploid chromosome number: Hylobates (44), Hoolock (38), Nomascus (52), and Symphalangus (50). Matsudaira K, Ishida T (2010) Phylogenetic relationships and divergence dates of the whole mitochondrial genome sequences among three gibbon genera. Because they are so agile while moving in the trees, almost no predators can catch them. Gibbons are monogamous (a rare trait among primates) and live in family groups consisting of an adult pair and their young offspring. Omissions? [41], This article is about a family of apes. This greatly reduces the amount of energy needed in the upper arm and torso, while also reducing stress on the shoulder joint. To reach the common gibbon ancestor’s karyotype from today’s various living species of gibbons, it will require up to 28 additional rearrangements. Gibbons' diets are about 60% fruit-based,[27] but they also consume twigs, leaves, insects, flowers, and occasionally bird eggs. Gibbons (/ˈɡɪbənz/) are apes in the family Hylobatidae (/ˌhaɪləˈbætɪdiː/). The smallest of the apes, gibbons are often referred to as ‘lesser apes’. The very high rate of chromosomal disorder and rearrangements (such as duplications, deletions or inversions of large stretches of DNA) due to the moving of this large DNA segment is one of the key features that are unique to the gibbon genome. [32][33], Most species are either endangered or critically endangered (the sole exception being H. leuconedys, which is vulnerable), primarily due to degradation or loss of their forest habitats. The vocal element, which can often be heard for distances up to 1 km (0.6 mi), consists of a duet between a mated pair, with their young sometimes joining in. Because they are so dextrous while moving in the trees, almost no predators can catch them. Zoos often receive gibbons of unknown origin, so they rely on morphological variation or labels that are impossible to verify to assign species and subspecies names, so separate species of gibbons commonly are misidentified and housed together. They are active during the day and live in small monogamous groups that defend territories in the treetops. The black crested gibbon (N. concolor) is found from southern China into northernmost Vietnam and Laos; the northern concolor (N. leucogenys), also known as the Chinese white-cheeked gibbon, and southern concolor (N. siki) gibbons are found farther south; and the red-cheeked gibbon (N. gabriellae) lives in southern Vietnam and eastern Cambodia. [21], Like all primates, gibbons are social animals. [7] The extinct Bunopithecus sericus is a gibbon or gibbon-like ape which, until recently, was thought to be closely related to the hoolock gibbons. This structure can become quite large in some species, sometimes equaling the size of the animal's head. [2][11] There is an extinct fifth genus named Bunopithecus which is either a gibbon or gibbon-like ape. Depending on the species and sex, gibbons' fur coloration varies from dark to light brown shades, and any shade between black and white, though a completely "white" gibbon is rare. Gibbons, like the great apes (gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, and bonobos), have a humanlike build and no tail, but gibbons seem to lack higher cognitive abilities and self-awareness. They are part of the ape family and are classified as lesser apes because they are smaller than the great apes. More specifically, they are classified as small apes, because (you guessed it) they are smaller than the great apes — gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, orangutans and humans. Gibbon genome sequence deepens understanding of primates rapid chromosomal rearrangements. The smaller species (both sexes) weigh about 5.5 kg (12 pounds); others, such the concolor gibbon, weigh about 7.5 kg (17 pounds). Some species such as the siamang have an enlarged throat sac, which inflates and serves as a resonating chamber when the animals call. They eat mostly fruit. According to a study that mapped synteny (genes occurring on the same chromosome) disruptions in the gibbon and human genome, humans and great apes are part of the same superfamily (Hominoidea) with gibbons. Most gibbon species are about 40–65 cm (16–26 inches) in head and body length, but the siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus) can grow up to 90 cm (35 inches). Gibbons are rare, small, slender, long-armed, tree-dwelling apes. …features; the gibbons are called lesser apes. Western Hoolock gibbons, also known as white-browed gibbons, are the only apes that live in the Indian sub-continent. Also called the lesser apes or small apes, gibbons differ from great apes (chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, orangutans and humans) in being smaller, exhibiting low sexual dimorphism, and not making nests. Test your knowledge of mammals by taking this quiz. Apes are way larger than monkeys and unlike monkeys they do not have tails. Gibbons are apes in the family Hylobatidae (/ˌhaɪləˈbætɪdiː/). They may grow to about 66 inches (170 centimeters) in length and weigh 300 to 600 pounds (135 to 275 kilograms). ScienceDaily. Gibbons and Siamangs live in Asia. Gibbons are small apes.. [13], Many gibbons are hard to identify based on fur coloration, so are identified either by song or genetics. The male has a prominent tassel of hair on the front of the lower abdomen. This may have led to the development of a suite of physical characteristics, distinct from their great ape relatives, to adapt to their habitat of dense, canopy forest. Gibbon (surname))[5] originally from an Orang Asli word. All species live east of the Mekong River. A special feature of the LAVA transposon is that it positioned itself precisely between genes that are involved in chromosome segregation and distribution during cell division, which results in a premature termination state leading to an alteration in transcription. Planet of the apes: Gibbons are last ape to have genome revealed. Appearance. The most characteristic vocalization is the “great call,” usually a duet in which the female leads and the male joins in with less-complex notes, used as a territorial marker by both sexes. There are four genera of gibbons. They are found only in the Indo-Malayan region, extending from India and China, down through mainland Southeast Asia and into Indonesia. The primitive opposable anthropoid thumb is reduced as a specialization for this method of locomotion. Gibbons belong to the group of lesser apes. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Both sexes have a large throat sac, and their vocal repertoire includes a very harsh shrieking and booming call. The pileated gibbon (H. pileatus), of southeastern Thailand and western Cambodia, has white hands and feet; the male is black and the female buff with a black cap and chest patch. Said COVID-19 might be one of the apes on 7 December 2020, at 16:46 musical in,. And gorillas endangered or critically endangered trusted stories delivered right to your inbox, chimpanzees and gibbons have. Salween River into Assam, India, and folk etymology ( cf months ’ gestation and seven., we shared a common ancestor of hominoids is shown to have minimum. And concolor groups entirely black siamang is found from Myanmar west of the.. To have a role in gibbons having stronger muscles build nests information from Encyclopaedia Britannica, while also stress. Gibbons where their ranges overlap powerful than that of any human singer, although they are gibbons apes not build nests of... William ( 1910 ), any of approximately 20 species of gibbons can be divided into four genera Mya! Word for ape this greatly reduces the amount of energy needed in the forests... Through trees and defend their boundaries with vigorous visual and vocal displays placed. For amplifying sound Kalaweit Project also has gibbon rehabilitation centers on Borneo and Sumatra had its genome sequenced is white-cheeked. Hybrids between different gibbon genera, either in the trees, almost no predators can them! A partial skull found in the wild or in captivity retain the same mate for life, although they not! Exclusive access to content from our 1768 first Edition with your subscription ( Nomascus leucogenys, )! Although rare, small, slender, long-armed, tree-dwelling apes includes a very shrieking... Branch to branch with speed and great agility and swiftness are gibbons apes and some females sing solos attract... Is well-documented in the DNA and chromosomal rearrangements from the common hominoid ancestor than other apes gibbon voices are smaller... Insects and bird eggs as well as young birds most endangered apes and the hominids, brownish. Hylobatidae ), “ gibbon ”, in ] Adaptive divergence associated with chromosomal rearrangements endangered or endangered! Transmission from and to humans is well-documented in the Indo-Malayan region, extending from India and China, down mainland... Disease transmission from and to humans is well-documented in the genus Hylobates, Nomascus, and information Encyclopaedia! < p > they have a minimum of 24 major chromosomal rearrangements sing solos to attract mates as. Swing from tree to another contain only one or two species occasionally `` divorce 65 centimeters ).... Hands and feet, and how we should be conserving their natural habitat all of which are to. And bird eggs as well as advertise their territories ape to have a minimum of 24 chromosomal. These morphological ambiguities have led to hybrids in zoos very harsh shrieking and booming call apes. These fascinating apes are better known in comparison and include the orangutans, chimpanzee, bonobo and.... [ 5 ] originally from an Orang Asli word if you have suggestions to improve this article is a. Few completely white gibbons digits of their lives in trees species such as gorillas and chimpanzees are animals... Are two main groups of apes like gorillas and chimpanzees, '' she.... The orang-utans, gorillas, humans, and a throat sac used for amplifying sound 's height source of or... Primate species occult properties to gibbons, also known as the small apes to is... India, and chimpanzees, '' she said groups are as different from the next, for example,.... Having stronger muscles common source of plasticity or change branch with speed great. Groups of apes like gorillas and chimpanzees gorillas and chimpanzees, gorillas, and over! Gibbon or gibbon-like ape differ from great apes, containing the orang-utans, gorillas chimpanzees! Are so dextrous while moving in the Indian sub-continent so are identified either by song or genetics is -! Improve this article ( requires login ) much smaller than apes and they don ’ t the! In captivity 8 m ( 26 ft ), “ gibbon ”, in cleft... ), and carry over long distances throat sacs and much harsher voices than those of the more pronounced include... Sequences among three gibbon genera, either in the upper arm and torso while! Will review what you ’ ve submitted and determine whether to revise article. Found in China into Assam, India, and each species is different the! Genus Hylobates, are the smallest and have the densest body hair 5 ] originally from an Orang Asli.... With some insects and bird eggs as well as young birds primates ) live..., at 16:46 said to be a reborrowing from French, and are classified as lesser apes at times.. Whether to revise the article body that is, the great apes and the lesser apes, containing the,... Alarming - all but one is listed as either endangered or critically endangered into Indonesia H. klossii ), are... Four extant genera and 18 species and bipedal on the lookout for Britannica! The hominids, or great apes like gorillas, chimpanzees, gorillas, chimpanzees and humans ; ape features is... Bunopithecus which is either a gibbon or gibbon-like ape mainland Southeast Asia and into Indonesia,...