Hominidae, from Latin homō (“human being, man”), in reference to the fact that these animals are human-related.

Common names of members

Orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees and humans.

Distribution  

Although humans are found throughout the Earth, gorillas and chimpanzees are restricted to the tropical forests of Africa, and orangutans to Southeast Asian ones.

Size

The smallest species still extant weighing between 30 and 40 kg and the largest 140 to 180 kg.

Morphology

These are tailless humanoids. Though the degree of sexual dimorphism varies widely among species, men are generally larger and stronger than females. Despite being mostly quadrupedal, all of them can use their hands to activities such as gather food, use tools and communicate tactilely with others. 

Habitat & Ecology

Primarily rainforests, but humans inhabit all kinds of terrestrial environments.

Diet

Every species is omnivorous, though they prefer fruits (except humans).

Reproduction 

Gestation lasts 8–9 months, during which a single offspring or, very sometimes, twins are born. The young need care for extended periods of time since they are defenseless at birth. When compared to most other mammals, great apes have an exceptionally extended adolescence. They typically take eight to thirteen years to reach full maturity (orangutans and humans take longer). They are not weaned for several years. Because of this, women normally give birth just once every several years. There's no specific season for breeding.

Families of five to ten gorillas and chimpanzees often reside together, though occasionally considerably bigger groups are observed. Living in bigger groups, chimpanzees split up into smaller ones when fruit gets scarce. Female chimpanzees can no longer be controlled by dominant males when they split out in tiny groups to search for fruit; as a result, the females frequently mate with other inferior males. Gorilla groups, on the other hand, stick together no matter what fruit is available. They turn to eating leaves and shoots when fruit is scarce.

Total species known

7

Species in the collection

1

Species in Hong Kong

0

Reference

Cowlishaw, G., Dunbar, R. I. M. (2000). Primate Conservation Biology. University of Chicago Press.

Pough, F. H., Janis, C. M., Heiser, J. B. (2012). Vertebrate Life. Pearson.

Macdonald, D. W. (2006). The Encyclopedia of mammals. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/acref/9780199206087.001.0001.

Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M. (2005). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. Johns Hopkins University Press.

Sussman, R.W. (2003). Primate Ecology and Social Structure. Pearson Custom Publishing.