The actual size of a brain, usually expressed by a measure of weight
or volume. Compare relative brain size. |
The scientific study of the origin, the behavior, and the physical,
social, and cultural development of humans. |
Species that are members of the Families Hylobatidae (gibbons or “lesser
apes”) and Hominidae (great apes: chimpanzee, gorilla, gibbon,
and orangutan). |
Of, living in, or connected with trees. |
An upright posture or form of locomotion that relies on the use of
the legs without any assistance from the arms. Humans are the only
species of primate that habitually use a bipedal form of locomotion. |
(pronounced
bray kee ay' shun)
A form of locomotion that relies on the arms without any assistance
from the legs. The gibbons are the only true brachiators, although
some other aboreal primates are considered semi- or modified brachiators. |
Elastic cheeks that allow relatively large amounts of food to be held
in the mouth temporarily, usually during foraging; found only in Old
World primates. |
In regard to primates, a wide variety of mental processes including,
but not necessarily limited to, learning, memory, understanding,
perception, and problem solving. |
(deoxyribonucleic
acid)
The sequence of nucleic acids that is commonly referred to as the genetic “blueprint” for
each individual organism. DNA is one of the means of assessing the
relative similarities that exist among species. |
The process by which the characteristics of a population change over
time in relation to the demands of the environment. Evolution is
the foundation upon which all of biology rests and is the scientific
explanation for the diversity of life on Earth. |
Referring to organisms that have a diet composed primarily of leaves
or other forms of vegetation; frequently used interchangeably with “leaf-eating.” |
Referring to organisms that have a diet composed primarily of fruits. |
Hard, thickened areas of hairless skin that are prominent on the rear
ends of may species of Old World primates. These structures function
primarily as sitting pads. |
LANguage Analogue was a project developed by Dr. Duane Rumbaugh during
the 1970s. It incorporated the use of symbols or lexigrams. Lana was
also the name of the first chimpanzee to work with the system. |
An arbitrary symbol that represents a word. Researchers and bonobos
communicate with three computer-monitored lexigram panels containing
384 symbols and words. Similar keyboards have helped children and
adults with language deficits. |
The study of the nature, structure, and variation of language, including
phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, sociolinguistics,
and pragmatics. |
A female who rules a family, clan, or tribe. |
All species of nonhuman primates that are native to the southernmost
portion of North America (Mexico) and Central and South America. |
All species of monkey that are native to areas outside the Americas,
chiefly Asia and Africa. Prosimians and apes may be correctly labeled
Old World primates, but they are not monkeys.
|
For primates, referring to tails that can function as a third hand
or foot by grasping, reaching, or holding. Prehensile tails are only
found in the New World monkeys. |
Any member of the order Primate. All primates have a shared set of
physical features, such as forward-facing eyes, opposable digits,
and relatively large brains for mammals of their size. |
The study of any member of the order Primate. |
Literally, “pre-monkey.” The more primitive species of
primate, including the lemurs, lorisies, pottos, and galagos. Some
sources include tarsiers as well, although this is debated among taxonomists.
Monkeys and apes are not members of the prosimian group. |
The proportion of the body made up by the brain. Compare absolute brain
size. |
A flat, bony protrusion rising from the top of the skull. This structure
is most exaggerated in male gorillas and serves as an attachment point
for the muscles associated with chewing. |
The difference in body size or structure that is correlated with the
two sexes within a given species. For example, adult male orangutans
may be twice the size of adult female orangutans. |
Of two or more populations inhabiting the same geographic area. |
The study of the rules whereby words or other elements of sentence
structure are combined to form grammatical sentences. |
The classification system introduced by Carolus Linnaeus that is based
on how closely or distantly species are related to each other. |
Great Ape Trust is certified by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums
