194 



A COURSE ON ZOOLOGY. 



the posterior limbs have hands, and the name quadrumana 

 is no longer used. In general, these animals have a 

 narrow pelvis, knees loosely articulated, heels not very 

 prominent, and these features, together with the feeble 

 muscles of their thighs and legs, prevent them from 

 easily standing erect. Their hands are better adapted 



FIG. 116. 



GORILLA (Troglodytes gorilla). 



for climbing than for touch and prehension. Most of 

 them can climb trees with wonderful agility, using their 

 four hands in the exercise ; in this some of them are 

 aided by their tails, which are said to be prehensile, 

 having the power of encircling and grasping objects. 

 Monkeys live principally on vegetable food, such as fruit. 



