Pongidae
Pongidae, or the pongids, is an obsolete primate taxon containing gorillas, chimpanzees and orangutans. They are sometimes called "great apes". Pongidae is now known to be paraphyletic. Pongids split from Hominina around seven mya. The corresponding crown group for this taxon is Hominidae. Pongidae has seven extant member species. This taxon is rarely used today but is of historical significance.
Distinction to hominins
Skull
The pongid skull contains the following features that are absent or less pronounced in humans:- a sulcus behind the brow ridges
- prognathism
- a protruding occipital region
- large, bony eye sockets
- a large nasal opening
- constriction just behind the orbital region
- stout facial bones
- a diastema
- a simian shelf
Adaptations for locomotion
| Pongid | Human |
| Arms are as long as or longer than the legs | Arms are shorter than the legs |
| Scapula has an orientation for supporting the body weight beneath the arms | Scapula is oriented for holding the arms by the side |
| Digits are long and curved for grasping branches | Digits are shorter and straight |
| Pelvis is shaped to support the legs and trunk in the bent-over posture | Pelvis is shaped to support the legs and trunk in a vertical position |
| Knees do not lock the legs | Knees lock the legs straight to minimize the expenditure of energy when standing |
| Pelvis is relatively large | Pelvis is much shorter and bowl-shaped |
| Iliac pillar is elongated | The iliac crest is oriented more to the side and slanted |