Q71 / 200 · MHT CET - Medical 2026 (24 April Shift 2) · Biology

Find a brachiating ape from the options given below.

  • A
    Chimpanzee
  • B
    Gorilla
  • Correct answer
    C
    Gibbon
  • D
    Orangutan

Solution

Brachiation refers to a specialized form of arboreal locomotion in which primates move through the tree canopy by swinging hand-over-hand beneath branches, using only their forelimbs as the primary weight-bearing structures.

Among the given choices, the gibbon, which belongs to the family Hylobatidae, or lesser apes, is the classic example of a true brachiator. Gibbons possess highly evolved anatomical adaptations for this form of movement, including exceptionally long forelimbs, very flexible shoulder joints, and elongated, hook-like hands.

In contrast, the other options, including the chimpanzee, gorilla, and orangutan, are great apes. Chimpanzees and gorillas primarily exhibit knuckle-walking quadrupedalism on the ground, while orangutans are large-bodied and engage in slow, deliberate quadrumanous climbing and suspensory locomotion rather than fast, specialized brachiation.

Therefore, the brachiating ape is the gibbon.

Answer: Gibbon

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'C'.

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