Copies part of a shape symmetrically (4)
I believe the answer is:
apes
'copies' is the definition.
('ape' can be a synonym of 'copy')
'part of a shape symmetrically' is the wordplay.
'part of' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'APES' is hidden within 'shape symmetrically'.
(Other definitions for apes that I've seen before include "Mimics like primates" , "Copies the primates?" , "Peas (anag)" , "Zoo animals" , "Large primates" .)