The Most Popular Type of Ape, Ranked

Choose the type you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 25, 2024 07:15
When considering conservation efforts and educational outreach, it becomes crucial to understand which apes capture the public's interest. By ranking these magnificent creatures, we can direct attention and resources more effectively. This approach not only raises awareness but also fosters a deeper connection between humans and wildlife. Your input by voting on your preferred apes contributes significantly to this interactive ranking. This dynamic collection reflects the collective opinion and evolves with every vote cast. It offers a unique insight into which apes resonate most with people around the world, helping to guide educational and conservation priorities.

What Is the Most Popular Type of Ape?

  1. 1
    74
    points
    Chimpanzee

    Chimpanzee

    Chimpanzees are great apes known for their intelligence and social behavior. They are native to the forests and savannahs of tropical Africa.
    • Scientific Name: Pan troglodytes
    • Lifespan: 40-50 years in the wild
  2. 2
    40
    points
    Gorilla

    Gorilla

    Gorillas are the largest living primates and they share 98% of their DNA with humans. They are divided into two species: the eastern gorillas and the western gorillas, both critically endangered.
    • Scientific Name: Genus Gorilla
    • Habitat: Forests of central Sub-Saharan Africa
  3. 3
    25
    points
    Orangutan

    Orangutan

    Orangutans are native to Indonesia and Malaysia, living in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. They are known for their intelligence and are among the most tree-dwelling of the great apes.
    • Scientific Name: Genus Pongo
    • Diet: Primarily frugivorous
  4. 4
    19
    points
    Gibbon

    Gibbon

    Gibbons are small apes known for their incredible agility and the fact that they are the fastest and most acrobatic of all tree-dwelling, non-flying mammals. They are found in the forests of Southeast Asia.
    • Scientific Name: Family Hylobatidae
    • Known For: Brachiation (arm swinging)
  5. 5
    18
    points
    Bonobo

    Bonobo

    Bonobos are closely related to chimpanzees but are typically smaller, leaner, and more peaceful. They are known for their matriarchal societies and are found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
    • Scientific Name: Pan paniscus
    • Social Structure: Matriarchal
  6. 6
    1
    points
    Bornean Orangutan

    Bornean Orangutan

    The Bornean orangutan is native to the island of Borneo and is classified as critically endangered. They have a broader face and shorter beard compared to the Sumatran orangutan.
    • Scientific Name: Pongo pygmaeus
    • Habitat: Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests
  7. 7
    0
    points
    Mountain Gorilla

    Mountain Gorilla

    Mountain Gorillas are found in the Virunga volcanic mountains of Central Africa and in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. They are critically endangered, with an estimated 1,063 individuals in the wild.
    • Scientific Name: Gorilla beringei beringei
    • Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
  8. 8
    0
    points
    Sumatran Orangutan

    Sumatran Orangutan

    The Sumatran orangutan is critically endangered and lives exclusively in the north of the Indonesian island of Sumatra. They are distinguished by their longer facial hair and a more pronounced beard compared to their Bornean counterparts.
    • Scientific Name: Pongo abelii
    • Status: Critically Endangered
  9. 9
    0
    points
    Eastern Lowland Gorilla

    Eastern Lowland Gorilla

    The Eastern Lowland Gorilla is the largest of the four gorilla subspecies. It is found in the mountainous forests of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
    • Scientific Name: Gorilla beringei graueri
    • Diet: Primarily herbivorous
  10. 10
    0
    points
    Western Lowland Gorilla

    Western Lowland Gorilla

    The Western Lowland Gorilla is the most numerous and widespread of all gorilla subspecies. They live in dense forests and swamps in Central Africa and are critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.
    • Scientific Name: Gorilla gorilla gorilla
    • Habitat: Dense forests and swamps

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular type of ape. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or type is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2583 views
  • 177 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each type once every 24 hours. The rank of each type is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Popular Type of Ape

Chimpanzee
Rank #1 for the most popular type of ape: Chimpanzee (Source)
Apes are fascinating creatures that share many traits with humans. They belong to the primate family, which also includes monkeys and humans. Apes have large brains, which makes them intelligent and capable of complex behaviors. They use tools, solve problems, and communicate in various ways. Their social structures are intricate, with strong bonds formed between family members and groups.

Apes live in diverse habitats, from tropical rainforests to mountainous regions. They are mostly found in Africa and Asia. These environments provide them with the food and shelter they need. Apes are primarily herbivores, but some also eat insects and small animals. Their diet consists of fruits, leaves, seeds, and flowers. They spend a lot of time foraging for food, which is a key part of their daily routine.

Apes have physical features that set them apart from other primates. They have no tails, unlike monkeys. Their arms are longer than their legs, which helps them move through trees with ease. They have opposable thumbs and big toes, allowing them to grasp objects and climb efficiently. Their faces are expressive, with forward-facing eyes that give them good depth perception.

Communication is vital for apes. They use vocalizations, facial expressions, and body language to convey messages. Each species has its own set of sounds and gestures. These can include calls to alert others of danger, signals to show affection, and displays of dominance. Apes also use grooming as a way to bond and maintain social harmony. Grooming helps remove parasites and dirt from their fur, but it also strengthens relationships within the group.

The life cycle of apes is similar to that of humans. They have long gestation periods, and mothers usually give birth to one offspring at a time. The young are dependent on their mothers for several years. During this time, they learn essential skills such as climbing, finding food, and socializing. The bond between mother and offspring is strong, and it plays a crucial role in the development of the young ape.

Apes face many threats in the wild. Habitat loss due to deforestation and human encroachment is a significant issue. Poaching and illegal wildlife trade also pose serious risks. Conservation efforts are in place to protect these animals and their habitats. Organizations work to raise awareness, enforce laws, and create protected areas to ensure the survival of apes.

Research on apes provides valuable insights into human evolution and behavior. Scientists study their genetics, social structures, and cognitive abilities to understand our own species better. This research has led to many discoveries about the similarities between apes and humans.

Apes are remarkable animals with complex lives and behaviors. They play a crucial role in their ecosystems and have a close connection to humans. Protecting them and their habitats is essential for maintaining biodiversity and understanding our place in the natural world. Through continued research and conservation efforts, we can ensure that these incredible creatures thrive for generations to come.

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