Humans and apes are both considered hominoids. Hominoids encompass the ape family Hylobatidae, which include the gibbons, or lesser apes; it also encompasses the ape family Pongidae, which include great apes such as chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, and orangutans. Hominoids exhibit many traits similar to haplorhines but to a greater extent. Hominoids have a large body size and a long life span. They also have a large brain; hominoids exhibit a great deal of intelligence and social complexity. Hominoids have many differences that distinguish them from other primates. For example, hominoids have long arms and rotating shoulders that allow for brachiation. Rotating shoulders may serve a purpose that is similar to the tails of other primates.
