274 



BRANCH VERTEBRATA. 



FIG. 477. 



they have broken off or bent down and placed con- 

 veniently for a support to their bodies, each hand grasp- 

 ing a limb which it clutches mechanically. 



The Chimpanzee (chim pan'ze) is widely distributed 



over tropical Africa, 

 where it feeds on 

 fruits, being an arbo- 

 real animal. Like the 

 Orang, it is known at 

 times to construct in 

 the tree-tops platforms 

 of bushes, on which 

 the female may rest 

 and care for her off- 

 spring. Naturally of 

 a timid disposition, it 

 will bravely defend 

 itself when attacked. 



Trog lo dji' les nl' ger. Chimpanzee. m n T i i 



Full-grown individuals 



measure five feet in height. They are the most com- 

 mon anthropoid apes of zoological gardens. 



Somewhat exceeding the Chimpanzee in size and of a 

 much more ferocious appearance, is the Gorilla (go rii'la), 

 the highest known animal excepting man. The Gorilla 

 has arms relatively shorter than the immediately previ- 

 ous forms, the legs and feet are better adapted for walk- 

 ing, and the three middle fingers of the hand are united, 

 leaving but two joints free, while the thumbs are short 

 and rudimentary It agrees with the previous species in 

 having thirteen pairs of ribs, the Orang only having 

 twelve. 



In its habits the Gorilla generally lives singly or in 

 pairs, feeds on various plants and fruits, and sometimes 



