Question

A characteristic that differentiates apes from Old World monkeys is __________.a. the lack of a third premolarb. more massive jawsc. a suspensory shoulderd. downward-facing nostrils

Answer 1

A key feature that differentiates apes from Old World monkeys is a suspensory shoulder, which allows apes to brachiate, or swing through trees, in a way that Old World monkeys cannot.

Step-by-step explanation:

A characteristic that differentiates apes from Old World monkeys is c. a suspensory shoulder. Apes evolved from catarrhines roughly 25 million years ago in Africa and are distinguished from monkeys in several significant ways. Notably, all apes have the ability to move through trees, though many are also ground-dwelling. Their shoulder anatomy allows for a great range of movement, facilitating brachiation, which is swinging through trees using the arms. Old World monkeys, or catarrhines, while also skilled climbers, do not have the suspensory shoulder structure that enables the specialized limb movements seen in apes for arboreal locomotion.

In contrast, Old World monkeys possess narrow, downward-pointing nostrils; however, this is not a distinguishing feature between apes and Old World monkeys, as apes, too, have downward-facing nostrils. Apes lack a tail and have larger brains in proportion to their body size compared to monkeys. Additionally, apes tend to be more intelligent and have increased dexterity in their hands.

While there are social and anatomical differences between various primate groups, the key factor separating apes from Old World monkeys remains their specialized suspensory shoulder structure.

Answer 2

The shape of the nose of monkey is one of the most important and reliable means of distinguishing Old World Monkeys from the New World Monkeys.

Step-by-step explanation:

In New World Monkeys, who are also known as Platyrrhini, which means “flat nosed”, the nose is broad and the nostrils are set wide apart, while in the apes and Old World Monkeys, who are also known as Catarrhini meaning “downward nosed”, the nostrils are set close together which are either pointed downward or forward and are separated by a very narrow septum.