1. A Biological Classification:
* Apes in this context refers to a group of primates that includes humans, chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, and gibbons. They are distinguished from monkeys by their lack of tails, their larger brains, and their ability to walk upright (though not always exclusively).
2. A General Term:
* Apes can also be used more generally to refer to any primate that is large and intelligent, even if it's not part of the "ape" classification. For example, someone might say, "That monkey is a real ape!" even though the monkey might not be a true ape in the biological sense.
It's important to consider the context to understand which meaning of "apes" is being used.
For example, if you're reading a scientific paper, "apes" will likely refer to the biological classification. However, if you're reading a children's book, "apes" might be used more generally.