Crossword Genius

Primate taking a series of exercises (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ape

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'primate' is the definition.
(large primate)

'a series of exercises' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'a' is found in the answer.
'exercises' could be 'pe' (Physical Education) and 'pe' is found in the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'taking' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ape that I've seen before include "Mimic the primate" , "Our cousin" , "Copy - primate" , "Wild animal" , "Imitate, clumsy person (colloq.)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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