They have their planet, rather like us

I believe the answer is:

apes

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'us' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for apes that I've seen before include "Copies the primates?" , "Peas (anag)" , "Imitates in every aspect" , "Species of primate" , "Imitates like primates" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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