Humans are part of the primate family. Other common primates include
the monkey, baboon, orangutan, chimpanzee and gorilla.Primates have several
distinctive features that separate them from other mammals. Primates have
well developed hands and feet, with fingers and toes. Their opposable thumb
makes it easy for them to grab things.
Primate eyes are forward in the head giving them stereoscopic vision.
This allows them to judge distance. Primates also have large, highly developed
brains. Their intelligence allows them to control and manipulate their
environment. The highly developed visual center of the brain helps primates
distinguish colors. Their large brain also allows them to develop complex
language and communication skills.
Monkeys and apes walk on all four limbs, but they may run upright using
only their hind legs. Although primates are born fully formed, they tend
to have a long gestation period in their mother's womb.
Parents also care for and educate their young much longer than other
animals. This results in a strong bond between a baby and the mother. Primates
are very social animals, and tend to form strong bonds with family and
friends. While humans are similar to monkeys in many ways, there are also
several significant differences. The human brain is more than twice the
size of other primates. This makes humans the most intelligent primate,
with the most developed communication, language and reasoning skills.
Humans are able to make and use complex tools to help control their
environment. Humans also walk upright on two legs.