Monkeys and apes are not the same - they are both primates but differ in several ways. Monkeys typically have tails, are smaller, and are more arboreal, using their tails for balance, while apes do not have tails, are larger in size and have a more upright posture. Apes, including gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans and humans, are highly intelligent and often exhibit advanced cognitive abilities. Socially, monkeys live in larger groups, whereas apes tend to form smaller, close-knit units such as gorillas or are solitary like orangutans.
Apes belong to the Hominidae family, including both lesser and great apes. Monkeys are classified into Old World and New World groups. Old-world monkeys are found in Asia and Africa and have downward-facing nostrils and non-grasping tails, whereas new-world monkeys are found in the Americas, have flat noses and are more arboreal.