Hylobatidae

Definition

Hylobatidae is a family of primates commonly known as gibbons, which includes four genera and around 20 species. They are characterized by their small size, long arms, and exceptional brachiation abilities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hylobatidae are known for their acrobatic movement through trees using brachiation.
2. They are found in tropical and subtropical rainforests of Southeast Asia.
3. Hylobatidae are lesser apes, distinct from great apes such as chimpanzees and gorillas.
4. These primates are mostly monogamous and live in small family groups.
5. Gibbons have a specialized vocal apparatus that allows them to produce loud calls used for communication.

Related terms

Brachiation: A form of arboreal locomotion where primates swing from branch to branch using their arms.

Monogamy: A mating system in which an individual has only one partner during their lifetime or at any one time.

Great Apes: A group of primates that includes orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, and bonobos, distinguished from lesser apes like gibbons.