MGSLG. (2020). Module 2 Unit 2

What are the traits humans share with African apes and what are the anatomical differences between them?

Characteristics that humans share with African apes:

  • Olfactory brain centres reduced/ reduced sense of smell
  • Eyes in front/ Binocular vision / stereoscopic vision
  • Eyes with cones/ colour vision
  • Freely rotating arms
  • Elbow joints allowing rotation of forearm
  • Flat nails instead of claws/ bare, sensitive fingertips
  • Opposable thumbs
  • Bipedal/ upright posture / foramen magnum in a more forward position
  • Sexual dimorphism/ distinct differences between males and females
  • Parts of the brain that process information from the hands and eyes are enlarged
  • Longer upper arms
  • Large brains / skulls compared to their body mass
  • Five digits per limb


Anatomical differences between Humans (Homo sapiens) and African Apes



Last modified: Thursday, 25 March 2021, 6:47 AM