Anthropoidea 〈RECOMMENDED - REVIEW〉

This group includes everything from macaques to humans. We are characterized by downward-pointing nostrils and, in the case of apes, the complete absence of a tail. Where Do Humans Fit In?

Unlike their "lower primate" relatives (the strepsirrhines), anthropoids have several unique evolutionary traits: anthropoidea

With long fingers and nearly perfect thumbs, anthropoids are masters of manipulation, using their hands as versatile tools. This group includes everything from macaques to humans

Unlike the "wet-nosed" lemurs, anthropoids have dry noses and highly mobile upper lips, allowing for a wide range of facial expressions. A Tale of Two Worlds In reality, we are anthropoids

It is a common misconception that humans evolved from modern monkeys. In reality, we are anthropoids. We share a common ancestor with chimpanzees from about 6 million years ago. Every time you use a tool or recognize a friend’s facial expression, you are using biological "hardware" that has been refining itself within the anthropoid lineage for tens of millions of years.

While the broader primate world includes lemurs and lorises, anthropoids are distinguished by their larger brains, complex social lives, and flat-faced features. Here is a look at what makes this branch of the evolutionary tree so special.