Symphalangus is a scientific name for a genus of large apes that includes the famous orangutans. Interestingly, there are several synonyms for the word symphalangus, which reflects its complex taxonomy. The most common synonyms for symphalangus are Pongo pygmaeus and Pongo abelii, which refer to different subspecies of orangutans. Other synonyms include Simia morio, Simia nemestrina, and Pithecus morio, which were used in the past to describe different types of primates. While these different names can be confusing, they ultimately reflect the scientific community's ongoing efforts to understand and classify the diverse array of life on Earth.