Relatives of the Orangutan

The orangutan is the only living member of the ponginae, a subfamily of the hominidae, of which there are four other living species on the planet. Members of this family are characterized as having large brains, similar dental formations and complex social behavior.

  1. Gorillas

    • The gorilla is a close relative to the orangutan and the largest of the great apes, standing at a height of between 4 and 6 feet and weighing up to 485 lbs. Unlike orangutans who spend much of their time in trees, gorillas are more ground-dwelling but do climb into trees to form nests of branches where they sleep. Gorillas are found in the tropical forest habitats and mountainous areas of central Africa. They are highly social with several females traveling around with a single dominant male.

    Bonobo

    • The bonobo, or pygmy chimp as it also is known, is a small member of the great ape family. The bonobo reaches a height of up to 3 feet and weighs around 110 lbs. Although the species looks like a chimpanzee, it is a distinct species with several differences. The species is only found in one small area of the Republic of the Congo. Whereas chimpanzees deal with conflict via aggression, bonobos use sexual behavior to establish social dominance and bonding. The species tends to spend more time walking upright than most great apes.

    Chimpanzees

    • The chimpanzee is a close relative of the orangutan but is even more closely related to humans, sharing about 98 percent of our genetic makeup. The species is found mainly across central Africa in tropical forest areas where they travel in family groups known as troops. Chimps can reach a height of 5.5 feet and weigh up to 130 lbs. They are one of the few species that actively learn how to use simple tools, such as sticks and stones to get food.

    Humans

    • As a member of the Hominidae family, humans also are cousins of the orangutan. We are the most advanced species of great ape, having developed high intelligence and a mastery of tools well in excess of that of chimps. Although humans are one of the larger great apes on average, full-grown orangutans, gorillas, chimps and bonobos are much stronger. Human social structure is far more complex and, unlike other great apes, it cannot be categorized as solitary or group.