What characteristic defines hominoids compared to other primates?

Hominoids, which include apes and humans, are distinguished from other primates by their longer arms relative to legs. This limb proportion is significant as it reflects adaptations for different forms of locomotion, such as brachiation, which is the arm-swinging movement that is common among gibbons and other tree-dwelling apes. In addition, hominoids typically lack a tail, which is a characteristic of many other primates, particularly monkeys. Their physical structure, including the longer arms, supports their lifestyle that often involves climbing, swinging, and other activities predominantly carried out in arboreal habitats. Understanding these anatomical features helps clarify the evolutionary adaptations that have occurred in hominoids, setting them apart from their primate relatives.