Modern Humans and Modern Apes Compared

EYES Modern Human Located in front of skull. Excellent binocular vision Excellent colour vision Reduced sense of smell Modern Apes Same as modern humans

Hands and feet Modern Human Grasping hands with opposable thumbs for strong grip Double arched foot for extensive walking Modern Apes Grasping hands and feet. Opposable thumb not as refined as in humans Big toe is like a human thumb

Arms and Legs Modern Human Arms shorter than legs Knee and hip joints allow ability to stand fully erect and move easily (bipedal) Modern Apes Arms longer than legs Knee and hip joints don’t allow ability to stand fully erect. Walk and run using arms and legs (knuckle walking)

Spine Modern Human Bi-pedal skeleton is adapted for walking upright S- shaped Human pelvis is vertical Modern Apes C- shaped for knuckle walking Gorilla pelvic tips ribcage, head and neck forward

Skull, Cranium, Brain, Face Modern Human Large Brain case (1200cc) Foramen magnum located centrally at base of skull to enable upright stance Modern Apes Smaller brain case (400cc) Foramen magnum located towards rear of skull to enable knuckle walking Foramen magnum is the hole in the skull where the spine enters

Skull, Cranium, Brain, Face con’t Modern Human No sagital crest or bony ridge above eyes for attachment of large chewing and neck muscles Modern Apes Sagital crest and bony ridges for attachment of large chewing and neck muscles

Skull, Cranium, Brain, Face con’t Modern Human Flat face Prominent lower chin Snout doesn’t protrude High forehead Modern Apes Face sticks out Receding chin Snout protrudes Sloping forehead

Teeth Modern Human Teeth in jaw are parabolic in shape Small canines No gap between canine and other teeth Modern Apes Opposite teeth in jaw are parallel in shape Large canines Gap between canine and other teeth allows space for large canine teeth on opposite jaws

Pelvis Modern Human Broad, basin shaped pelvis Modern Apes Long narrow pelvis