Yes, humans are related to both apes and monkeys, and all three groups are classified as primates. The classification of primates is based on their shared evolutionary history and anatomical characteristics.
Primates are a group of mammals that share certain common features, such as forward-facing eyes, grasping hands and feet, and large brains relative to body size. These features are adaptations to an arboreal (tree-dwelling) lifestyle and are associated with their ability to manipulate objects and navigate through complex environments.
The primate order can be divided into two main suborders:
Strepsirrhini (lemurs, lorises, and galagos): These are primitive primates characterized by a moist, rhinarium (wet nose), and a reflective layer in the eye called the tapetum lucidum. Most of them are found in Africa, Madagascar, and Southeast Asia.
Haplorhini (tarsiers, monkeys, apes, and humans): These are more advanced primates and are further divided into two infraorders: a. Tarsiiformes (tarsiers): Small, nocturnal primates found in Southeast Asia. b. Simiiformes (monkeys, apes, and humans): This infraorder includes Old World monkeys, New World monkeys, apes, and humans.
Humans, along with apes, fall under the family Hominidae within the infraorder Simiiformes. Hominids, also known as great apes, include gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, orangutans, and humans. Humans are most closely related to the two species of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes and Pan paniscus) and bonobos (Pan paniscus).
The classification of humans and other primates into a single group, "primates," is based on their shared evolutionary history. All primates can be traced back to a common ancestor, and as they evolved, they diversified into various species with distinct traits and behaviors. By grouping them together, scientists can better understand the evolutionary relationships and the biological characteristics that define this diverse group of animals.