What is the difference between the hand of the Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla), and Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus)?

The Chimpanzee, Gorilla, and Orangutan are primates with five digits on each hand (four fingers and one thumb) with keratin fingernails. Humans also have five digits on each hand (four fingers and one thumb) with keratin fingernails.

The Gorilla has shorter, wider digits than the Chimpanzee and Orangutan.

The Gorilla has a wider palm than the Chimpanzee and Orangutan.

The Chimpanzee, Gorilla, and Orangutan have prehensile (grasping) hands. Humans also have prehensile hands.

The Chimpanzee, Gorilla, and Orangutan have two opposable thumbs. Humans also have two opposable thumbs. 

Opposable thumbs can move independently and freely, with a rotating movement that is extremely dexterous (skilled and nimble). Humans have longer, more muscular, and more mobile thumbs than the Chimpanzee, Gorilla, and Orangutan.

The Chimpanzee, Gorilla, and Orangutan have sensitive pads on their fingertips. Humans also have sensitive pads on their fingertips.

The Chimpanzee, Gorilla, and Orangutan have finger prints. Humans also have finger prints. 

The Chimpanzee, Gorilla, and Orangutan have lines or creases on the palms of their hands. Humans have fewer lines or creases on the palms of their hands than the Chimpanzee, Gorilla, and Orangutan.

The Chimpanzee, Gorilla, and Orangutan walk on the knuckles of their two long, front arms. This is called knuckle-walking. Humans do not walk on their knuckles.

(Note: The Chimpanzee, Gorilla, and Orangutan are apes, not monkeys. Apes do not have a tail, whereas monkeys have a tail.)

[Location of photographs: Paris Jardin du Plantes Zoo, France; Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre in Entebbe; and London Zoo, England]

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM