The Difference Between a Monkey & a Chimp

Monkeys and chimpanzees are two types of intelligent primates that share many biological similarities with humans. Although monkeys and chimpanzees have related characteristics, such as opposable thumbs, they are classified in different families of the animal kingdom.

  1. Classification

    • Chimpanzees are classified as nonhuman apes, and are located just above monkeys in the animal hierarchy. Chimpanzees are considered one of the "great apes," a group that is closely related to humans in terms of biology and social behavior.

    Physical Characteristics

    • Physical characteristics distinguish monkeys from chimpanzees.

      Monkeys have tails and hairy faces, and are typically smaller than chimpanzees. Chimpanzees have broader chests and arms that are disproportionately long.

    Movement

    • Most monkeys are strictly quadrupeds and walk on four limbs, while chimpanzees are capable of bipedal motion, or standing upright, without using a tail for support.

    Intelligence

    • Chimpanzees have exhibited a higher level of intelligence than monkeys. Chimpanzees are capable of mastering more complex forms of communication, such as American Sign Language. They also display resourcefulness in creating tools and methods to obtain food and complete other tasks.

    Interaction

    • Monkeys and chimpanzees both resemble humans in their emotional behavior, but chimpanzees demonstrate more complex social behaviors, using actions like kissing and tickling to communicate.