Final answer:
Gibbons and orangutans, which are classified as lesser apes, differ from bonobos and chimpanzees, which belong to the great ape group, in aspects of size, social behavior, and physical adaptations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gibbons and orangutans are a lesser ape group; bonobos and chimpanzees are a great ape group. The classification into 'lesser' and 'great' apes is a reflection of their physical and genetic differences. Lesser apes, which include gibbons, tend to be smaller with less sexual dimorphism and are known for their arboreal lifestyle and longer arms for swinging through trees. Orangutans, also part of the lesser apes, are solitary, arboreal, and native to Indonesia, displaying significant sexual dimorphism with larger males that develop cheek and throat pouches.
Great apes comprise species like bonobos and chimpanzees, which share a closer genetic relation to humans. Bonobos and chimpanzees, both living in Central Africa but separated by the Congo River, show differences in social behavior and physical characteristics. Chimpanzees are more aggressive and engage in hunting and occasional inter-group violence, while bonobos are known for their peaceful, egalitarian social structures and unique sexual behaviors that contribute to social bonding.