Apes (antropomorfidy or hominoids) belong to the superfamily of Old World primates.These include, in particular, two families: lesser apes and hominids.Build Old World primates similar to human.This similarity of man and apes is basic, allowing them to refer to the same taxon.
Evolution
apes first appeared in the late Oligocene in the Old World.It was about thirty million years ago.Among the ancestors of primates, the most primitive known gibbonoobraznye individuals - propliopithecus, from the tropics Egypt.It was from them any further driopithecus, gibbons and pliopiteki.The Miocene happened dramatic increase in the number and diversity of species then existing apes.In an era marked active resettlement driopithecus and other hominoids on the territory of Europe and Asia.Among Asian individuals were precursors of orangutans.According to the molecular biology of man and apes divided into two trunks about 8-6 million years ago.
fossil finds
oldest known anthropoid considered rukvapiteki, kamoyyapiteki, morotopiteki, limnopiteki, ugandapiteki and Ramapithecus.Some scholars are of the opinion that modern apes - the descendants parapithecus.But this view is not sufficient justification due to the scarcity of the remains of the latter.As a relict hominoid refers to a mythical creature - a snowman.
Description primates
Apes have larger than that of the monkeys individuals body.Old World primates have no tail, ischial callosities (there are small at only gibbons), cheek pouches.A characteristic feature of hominoids is a method of movement.Instead of moving all extremities of the branches, they are moving under the branches mainly in the hands.This method is called brachiation movement.Adapting to its use has provoked some anatomical changes: more flexible and long arms, flattened chest of anteroposterior direction.All the apes are able to stand on hind legs, thus freeing up front.For all types of hominoids are characterized by well-developed facial expressions, the ability to think and analyze.
difference between man and apes
Old World primates have much more hair, which cover almost the entire body, except for small areas.Despite the similarity of human and ape in the structure of the skeleton, the hand in humans is not so highly developed and have a much shorter length.This Old World primates legs are less developed, less and shorter.Apes easily move through the trees.Often individuals are swinging on the branches.During walking, generally used all limbs.Some individuals prefer the way of moving "walking with their fists."In this case, the body weight is transferred to the fingers, which are assembled into a fist.Differences man and apes is also evident in the level of intelligence.Despite the fact that the Old World birds are among the most intelligent primates, their intellectual inclinations are not as developed as in humans.However, almost all have the ability to learn.
Habitat
Apes inhabit the tropical forests of Asia and Africa.For all existing primate species typical of their habitat and way of life.Chimpanzees, for example, dwarf including live on the ground and in the trees.These representatives of the common primate in the forests of Africa, almost all types and in open savannas.However, some species (bonobo, for example) are found only in the humid tropics of the Congo Basin.Gorilla subspecies: the eastern and western plains - are more common in the humid forests of Africa, and representatives of mountain forest species prefer temperate climates.These primates rarely climb trees since its massiveness and carried out on the ground all the time.Gorillas live in groups, and the number of members is constantly changing.Orangutans, on the contrary, alone, as a rule.They inhabit wetlands and rainforests, great climb trees, from branch to branch are moving more slowly, but quite cleverly.Their arms are very long - reach the ankles.
It
Since ancient times, people tried to establish contact with the animals.Many scientists involved in the issues of training apes speech.However, the work did not produce the expected results.Primates may issue only individual sounds, a little similar to the words and vocabulary in general is very limited, especially in comparison with the talking parrot.The fact is that in the oral cavity absent in Old World primates certain sound generating elements in organs relevant human.That is what explains the failure of individuals to develop the skills of pronunciation of modulated sounds.The expression of the emotions carried by monkeys in different ways.For example, a call to pay attention to them - sound "er", a passionate desire manifested chugging, threat or fear - a shrill, sharp cry.One person knows the mood of the other, looking at the expression of emotions, adopting these or other symptoms.To transmit any information as basic mechanisms are the facial expressions, gestures, posture.With this in mind, the researchers tried to start talking with the monkeys using sign language that deaf people use.Young monkeys are trained quickly enough signs.After a relatively short period, people were able to talk to animals.
perception of beauty
researchers noted, not without satisfaction, that monkeys love to draw.This primates will act carefully enough.If you give a monkey paper, brush and paint it in the image of anything, she'll try not to go over the edge of the sheet.Additionally, animals are separated quite skillfully plane of the paper in several parts.Many scientists believe the painting primate amazingly dynamic, rhythmical, filled with harmony as in color and form.Not once been able to show the work of animals in art exhibitions.The researchers say the behavior of primates, monkeys possess aesthetic sense, even though it appears in embryonic form.For example, watching who lived in the wild animals they saw as a special sitting during sunset at the edge of the forest and watched in fascination at sunset.
