Anthropoidea is a taxonomic suborder that belongs to the order Primates, which includes the higher primates or simians. The term comes from the Greek words 'anthropos' meaning "human" and 'eidos' meaning "shape" or "form," thus referring to the simian's similarity to humans in terms of physical characteristics.
Anthropoidea comprises two major groups: the New World monkeys (Platyrrhini) and the Old World monkeys and apes (Catarrhini). These primates are distinguished by their complex brains, forward-facing eyes, grasping hands, and their ability to rotate their arms at the shoulder joint.
The New World monkeys are primarily found in Central and South America, while the Old World monkeys and apes are distributed across Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe. Anthropoidea includes numerous species, such as spider monkeys, howler monkeys, baboons, macaques, and hominids (or great apes).
Members of Anthropoidea display a wide range of social behaviors, varying from solitary to highly social structures. They possess well-developed cognitive abilities, enabling them to adapt to various environments and use complex tools. Humans, as part of the family Hominidae, are closely related to apes within the Anthropoidea suborder.
Studying Anthropoidea is crucial for understanding the evolution, behavior, and characteristics of primates, including humans. This suborder exhibits remarkable diversity and significance in conservational, evolutionary, and anthropological studies.
