Great Ape Collection (#4)

Africa, Uganda, Kibale National Park, Ngogo Chimpanzee Project. An adult male chimpanzee traveling through the forest

Mountain gorillas mating
Mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) mating. The mature male leading the troop is known as a silverback due to the colour of the fur on its back

Homo erectus cranium casts Peking Man & OH9
Left: This skull is a reconstruction based upon evidence discovered at locality 1, Zhoukoudian Cave which date back 500, 000 years

Homo erectus (or Homo ergaster), Turkana boy (KNM-WT 15000)
A replica of the fossil cranium (with reconstruction) that once belonged to a male Homo erectus aged 9 to 12 years old when he died

Homo erectus, Java Man cranium (Sangiran 17)

Pongo pygmaeus, orangutan
Portrait of a female orangutan, native to the Islands of Java, Sumatra and Borneo. Photographed by Frank Greenaway

Sabah Malaysia, Borneo, Orang Utan
Sabah Malaysia, Borneo, Sepilok. Portrait of an Orang Utan in the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Portrait of eastern gorilla sitting on the leafy forest floor in the misty jungle, Rwanda, Africa
Mountain gorilla, Gorilla beringei beringei, resting in misty forest

Portrait of eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei) through the leaves in the jungle, Rwanda, Africa
Close-up portrait of a male eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei) through the leaves in the jungle; Rwanda, Africa

Portrait of a male eastern gorilla sitting in the jungle, Rwanda, Africa
Portrait of a male eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei) sitting on the forest floor leaning against trees in the jungle; Rwanda, Africa

Close-Up of Western Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)

Western Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)

Satyrus, Ourang Outang. Engraved By Barlow, 18Th Century

Chimpanzee Or Orang-Outang. Engraved By P. Halpin 18Th Century

Satyrus, Ourang Outang. Pongo Or Jocko. Engraved By Barlow

Africa, Rwanda, Musanze District, Volcanoes National Park, Ruhengeri, Kinigi. Gorilla, beringei beringei, Mountain gorilla. Baby and mother

A group of three mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) relaxing in the dense vegetation of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

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The great ape, a fascinating creature that has captivated scientists and researchers for centuries. From the intricate mapping of its brain in the sensory homunculus to the study of ancient hominid crania, such as Australopithecus afarensis (AL 288-1) famously known as Lucy, these primates have left an indelible mark on our understanding of evolution. Intriguingly, the motor homunculus reveals how their brains control movement, showcasing their remarkable dexterity and agility, and is through studies like these that we gain insights into our own human capabilities. Delving into history, we find intriguing depictions like the 1874 Monkey Darwin cartoon by Faustin which humorously portrays our connection with these intelligent creatures. Additionally, Homo neanderthalensis in action at Swanscombe, UK showcases another branch of our evolutionary tree. Moving closer to present times, we are drawn to breathtaking portraits like that of a Bornean Orangutan female from Tanjung Puting reserve or Chimanuka - an Eastern lowland gorilla climbing trees with grace and strength. These images remind us of their undeniable beauty and power. Furthermore, observing silverbacks like Gihishamwotsi displaying dominance among mountain gorillas in Virungas National Park brings us face-to-face with their complex social structures and behaviors. As we explore this vast world filled with diverse species including humans and great apes alike, it becomes clear that each step forward is built upon previous discoveries. Hominid reconstructions in chronological order serve as a visual timeline highlighting our shared ancestry and reminding us of how far we have come. Whether it be studying ancient fossils or admiring magnificent creatures in their natural habitats today; the great apes continue to ignite curiosity within us all, and are not just subjects for scientific research but also reminders of our interconnectedness with nature itself.