The Visible Ape Project: a free, comprehensive, web‐based anatomical atlas designed to raise public awareness about apes

Abstract

Based at a Howard University, the Visible Ape Project (http://www.visibleapeproject.com) aims to provide free, publicly accessible anatomical educational resources suitable for classrooms from K‐12 and beyond. It is designed to comprehensively illustrate anatomy and anatomical variation within and between extant ape species. It contains photographs, MRI, CT scans, and 3D models to explore homologies and variations in soft and hard tissues across hylobatids, orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, and humans. These include detailed, labeled 3D artist renderings of the musculoskeletal system as well as 3D models of the skeletal and central nervous system based on radiological imaging of apes. They can be manipulated or downloaded and 3D printed to explore anatomy interactively, promoting active learning. Additional educational materials are available, including information about non‐human ape species, lesson plans, and a glossary of evolutionary and anatomical terms. The primary goals of the project are to promote human and ape evolutionary anatomy, broadly, and to integrate and disseminate to communities underrepresented in anthropology and evolutionary biology, specifically. Accordingly, the VAP incorporates outreach activities to disseminate science and promote awareness of apes, forming partnerships with veterinarians and conservationists in Africa and Asia. Additionally, we include many resources in Spanish. The site has been accessed by individuals from many countries across the globe, including many Spanish speaking countries, and nearly all US states. In this presentation, we will introduce the website to illustrate how this accessible, evolving resource can support research and education in human and comparative anatomy.