Final answer:
Anthropoids, which include monkeys, apes, and humans, are distinguished by their pentadactyl hands, diverse types of teeth, opposable thumbs, large brains, postorbital bars, and adaptability to various environments. Examples include New World monkeys with prehensile tails and Old World monkeys with downward-facing nostrils, and great apes like chimpanzees and orangutans.
Step-by-step explanation:
Anthropoids, which include monkeys, lesser apes, and great apes, are a group of primates that possess several distinguishing features. A notable trait of these animals is having five fingers on each hand, which is referred to as being pentadactyl. This feature assists them in various activities such as grasping and manipulating objects. They also have a variety of teeth types which allow them to process a wide range of foods.
Another characteristic of anthropoids is the presence of an opposable thumb, which greatly aids in gripping and handling objects, significantly enhancing their ability to use tools and perform complex tasks. Additionally, anthropoids have a large brain relative to body size, which contributes to their advanced cognitive abilities. The eyes of anthropoids are encircled by bone, known as a postorbital bar, which provides additional protection.
While these primates can be found in various habitats such as trees, swamps, and on land, their physical features reflect their adaptability to these diverse environments. Examples of anthropoids include the New World monkeys, which are recognized by their prehensile tails and outward-facing nostrils, and the Old World monkeys that feature narrow, downward-facing nostrils. Among the great apes, we find the chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans, as well as humans, who share these basic features but also exhibit several specialized adaptations.