Compare the characteristics between a human and an ape?

Question

what are some of the differences and similarities between a human and an ape (that we lost, gained, retained durring evolution)

Answer 1

I like Bravozulus answer but would point out that there are bipedal apes such as the Australopithecinces and Paranthropus.

Answer 2

We have 5 cusps on our molars like other apes but we have reduced canines.  We have a similar number of body hairs as other apes but our hair is very fine over much of our bodies and long on the head.  Our brains are much larger than other apes and our bodies are adapted to habitually walk upright though all apes can walk bipedally for a short distance.  Our big toe does not stick out to the side and the foot is rigid so we aren't as good at climbing trees.  Our hands and wrists are more flexible since we don't habitually support our weight with them and that enables greater dexterity and a fine grip between the thumb and any of the fingers.

Answer 3

this question is hard to answer

Answer 4

Differences between great apes and humans (not true for all primates):

Similarities:

- Five digits on both hands and feet, opposable thumbs

- Presence of clavicles, and two bones in lower leg and lower arm to facilitate rotation

- Nails instead of claws

- Forward-facing eyes, 3-D stereoscopic vision

- Non-specialized teeth for omnivorous diet with flat round molars

- Has Petrosal Bulla which protects the inner ear

- Rounded brain case, immovable outer ears

- Significant amount of dependence on learned behavior (i.e. parenting)

Differences:

- Humans lost the opposable big toe in exchange for bipedalism, structure of foot completely different (i.e. arch structure, huge talus and calcaneus)

- Humans lost the ability to turn their legs to as great a degree as apes

- Humans have an S-shaped vertebrae with the Foramen Magnum directly under the skull

- Humans have different shaped pelvis that is adapted to bipedalism with an angled femur

- Humans have much smaller teeth with thicker enamel and lacks a diastema

- Humans have larger brains in exchange for smaller parabolic jaw (the skull can only be so large), so many have problems with their wisdom teeth.

- Humans have a much longer period of dependence due to the having to grow a bigger brain. (Apes are much more developed when born compared to humans)

- Humans have a much better biologically developed vocalization system

Answer 5

Similarities: eyes are in the front of the face, foramen magnum situated at the back and centerly placed. Nails instead of claws, pendulous p***s, s*****m placed outside in a pouch.

Differences: Brain more developed for man, upright posture, nose bridge elevated, diastema absent, canine teeth more or less aligned with the rest.