Apes are characterised by

Options

A. Large cranial capacity
B. Pre-hensile tail
C. Absence of tail
D. Erect posture.

Explanation

To answer the question "Apes are characterised by," we will analyze the provided options and determine which one correctly describes a characteristic of apes.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Options**:
- Option A: Large cranial capacity
- Option B: Pretensility
- Option C: Absence of erect posture

2. **Analyzing Option A (Large Cranial Capacity)**:
- Apes do not have the largest cranial capacity; that distinction belongs to modern humans, who have a cranial capacity of around 1400 to 1500 cc. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

3. **Analyzing Option B (Pretensility)**:
- Pretensility refers to the ability of a tail to grasp or hold objects, which is a characteristic of New World monkeys, not apes. Apes are classified as Old World monkeys and do not possess a pretensile tail. Thus, this option is also incorrect.

4. **Analyzing Option C (Absence of Erect Posture)**:
- Erect posture is a characteristic that developed later in the evolutionary timeline, primarily associated with humans (Homo species). Apes do not exhibit a fully erect posture as seen in humans. Therefore, this option is also incorrect.

5. **Conclusion**:
- The correct characteristic of apes is their **absence of a tail**, which distinguishes them from other primates. Thus, the correct answer is that apes are characterized by the absence of a tail.

### Final Answer:
Apes are characterized by the absence of a tail.