Here's why:
* Family Hominidae: Gibbons belong to the family Hominidae, which includes all apes.
* Subfamily Hylobatidae: However, within Hominidae, gibbons are classified into their own subfamily, Hylobatidae. This separates them from the other great apes, which are classified in the subfamily Homininae.
* Key Differences: Gibbons have several distinct characteristics that set them apart from true apes, including:
* Smaller size: They are significantly smaller than great apes.
* Different locomotion: Gibbons are known for their brachiation (swinging from branch to branch), while great apes are primarily terrestrial.
* Different social structure: Gibbon social groups are typically monogamous pairs, while great ape groups are more complex.
So, while gibbons are related to apes, they are more closely related to each other than to other apes. They form their own distinct branch within the family Hominidae.