anthropoid

mammal suborder

Also known as: Anthropoidea

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June 18, 2026

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The term "anthropoid" literally means "resembling a human being". This refers to a suborder of primates that includes monkeys, apes, and humans. Anthropoids are distinguished from other primates, such as lemurs and tarsiers, by their larger brains, more complex cognitive abilities, and typically a more upright posture and bipedal locomotion.12345

Key characteristics of anthropoids include:
* Absence of a tail: Unlike most monkeys, apes and humans do not have tails.3
* Complex brains: They possess larger and more complex brains, particularly the cerebral cortex, which is associated with advanced cognitive functions.34
* Stereoscopic vision: Forward-facing eyes provide excellent depth perception, crucial for arboreal life.4
* Manual dexterity: Grasping hands and feet, often with opposable thumbs and big toes, aid in climbing and manipulation.4

The anthropoid suborder is further divided into monkeys (New World and Old World) and apes (including humans). Apes, such as chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans, are considered "great apes" due to their size and humanlike features.23

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primate
General structure
…primates, collectively known as the anthropoids, are extremely conservative in their structure; morphologically speaking, they have maintained a position in the evolutionary midstream and have avoided the potential stagnation of specialized life near the banks. Specialization is not always a liability; in times of environmental stability, the specialized animal enjoys…
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…primates, collectively known as the anthropoids, are extremely conservative in their structure; morphologically speaking, they have maintained a position in the evolutionary midstream and have avoided the potential stagnation of specialized life near the banks. Specialization is not always a liability; in times of environmental stability, the specialized animal enjoys…
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Ganlea megacanina
…usually considered to be early anthropoids, the group that includes living and fossil monkeys, apes, and humans. Some scientists, however, dispute the anthropoid affinities of amphipithecids, favouring a closer relationship with the lemurlike adapiform primates instead. That disagreement over the evolutionary position of Ganlea and other amphipithecids has important implications
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…usually considered to be early anthropoids, the group that includes living and fossil monkeys, apes, and humans. Some scientists, however, dispute the anthropoid affinities of amphipithecids, favouring a closer relationship with the lemurlike adapiform primates instead. That disagreement over the evolutionary position of Ganlea and other amphipithecids has important implications
Read More