Why is a chimpanzee not monkey?

This is a common misconception!

Chimpanzees ARE monkeys.

Here's the breakdown:

* Primates: Chimpanzees and monkeys belong to the same order: Primates.

* Suborder Haplorhini: Within primates, both chimpanzees and monkeys fall under this suborder.

* Infraorder Simiiformes: This is where the split happens. Simiiformes includes both monkeys and apes.

* Parvorder Catarrhini: Chimpanzees and Old World monkeys fall under this parvorder.

So, while chimpanzees are apes, they are also a type of Old World monkey, just like baboons, macaques, and others.

What sets apes apart from other monkeys:

* Lack of a tail: Apes (like chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, and humans) don't have tails.

* More complex brains: Apes have larger brains relative to their body size compared to most monkeys.

* More erect posture: Apes often walk on their knuckles or sometimes stand upright, while monkeys typically have a more quadrupedal (four-legged) gait.

So, remember: Chimpanzees are both apes *and* monkeys!