UPSC Prelims 2008 Q146: Environment & Ecology – Biodiversity & Conservation
Among the following, which one is not an ape?
- (a) Gibbon
- (b) Gorilla
- (c) Langur
- (d) Orangutan
Answer: (c) Langur
Explanation
Which of these is NOT an ape
Among these four primates, three are genuine apes, while one belongs to a different primate category.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Gibbon | Is an ape | A genuine (lesser) ape species |
| (b) Gorilla | Is an ape | A genuine (great) ape species |
| (c) Langur | NOT an ape | The Langur is actually a type of monkey, not an ape |
| (d) Orangutan | Is an ape | A genuine (great) ape species |
Ape vs monkey classification:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Apes | Gibbon, Gorilla, Orangutan (and chimpanzee) |
| NOT an ape (monkey) | Langur |
Answer: (c) Langur.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Gibbon is indeed a genuine ape species.
- (b) Incorrect. Gorilla is also indeed a genuine ape species.
- (c) CORRECT. The Langur is actually a monkey, not an ape.
- (d) Incorrect. Orangutan is also indeed a genuine ape species.
Key point
The Langur is actually a monkey, NOT an ape — unlike Gibbon, Gorilla, and Orangutan, which are all genuine ape species.
Remember
The Langur is NOT an ape — it is a monkey.
Common mistakes
- Confusing monkeys (like Langur, which typically have tails) with apes (which generally lack tails).
- Not knowing the basic ape vs monkey taxonomic distinction.
- Assuming all primates in a list belong to the same broad category.
Exam tip
Apes (Gibbon, Gorilla, Orangutan, Chimpanzee) generally lack tails. Monkeys (like Langur) typically have tails. A key primate-classification distinction.
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — ape
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — langur