What is the superfamily Hominoidea commonly known as?

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The superfamily Hominoidea is commonly known as apes. This group encompasses both the lesser apes, such as gibbons, and the great apes, which include orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, and humans. The defining characteristics of apes include a generally larger body size compared to monkeys, a lack of a tail, and more flexible shoulder joints which aid in brachiation (arm swinging). The classification of Hominoidea highlights the evolutionary relationship among these species, distinguishing them from other primates like monkeys, which belong to different categories within the primate order. Therefore, recognizing Hominoidea as apes emphasizes its role in understanding primate evolution and biological diversity.

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