Question

Smallest man like ape is
A) Chimpanzee
B) Orangutan
C) Sloth
D) Gibbon

Answer 1

Hint: The two families of Hominoids (man-like apes) can be distinguished from each other on the basis of various features. One of these features is the smaller size of Hylobatids as compared to those of the Hominids.

Complete Answer:
- The man-like Apes (Hominoidea) are a branch of old world higher primates (Anthropoides). They are native to Africa and South Asia.
- They are notably different from other primates as they have a wider degree of freedom of motion at their shoulder joint. They are tailless and they do not have cheek pouches that are common in monkeys.
- Broader rib-cages and shorter, less mobile spine as compared to monkeys are other notable differences. All the hominids are very intelligent.

There are two branches of the superfamily Hominoidea – the gibbons, or lesser apes (the family Hylobatidae); and the hominids, or great apes (the family Hominidae).

1) The Orang-utans have arms that reach to the ankles while they are in the erect position. Their feet are longer than their hands and their thumbs and great toes are very short. Their body remains covered with reddish brown hair, and in adult males, two hemispherical, flexible outgrowths are commonly found on the sides of their face.
2) The Chimpanzees have arms that reach below their knees when they are in erect position. They possess large thumbs and great toes. Their hands are longer than their feet. The skin of their face is pale and their body remains covered with black hair.
3) Gibbons are the smallest and slenderest among all of the man-like apes. They are native to Asia. Their main distinguishing character from other hominoids is their hands that are longer than their feet. They can touch the ground while in an erect position because their arms are longer in proportion to their body. They are arboreal and tree dwelling and spend most of their lives on trees.
4) The sloths are mammals but they are not primates and are not closely related to man-like apes. They belong to the superorder Xenarthra. Their closest relatives are anteaters and armadillos.

Thus, the correct answer is D, i.e., Gibbon.

Note: The term “ape” was used earlier for the members of the superfamily Hominoidea other than humans, but now the term is used for hominoids including humans.