Adapoidea

Adapoidea is a superfamily of primates that includes the Old World monkeys and apes. The name Adapoidea is derived from the Greek words "ada" meaning "to climb" and "poiesis" meaning "making," reflecting the arboreal nature of these primates. This superfamily is characterized by a number of shared traits, including a prehensile tail, a grasping hand, and a diet primarily consisting of fruits, leaves, and insects. Adapoidea is further divided into two families: Cercopithecidae, which includes the Old World monkeys, and Hominidae, which includes the great apes and humans. The superfamily is believed to have originated in Africa around 30 million years ago, with the earliest known fossils dating back to the Eocene epoch. Over time, Adapoidea have diversified and spread throughout Africa, Asia, and Europe, adapting to a wide range of habitats and ecological niches. Today, Adapoidea are found in a variety of environments, from tropical rainforests to savannas and deserts, and play a crucial role in their ecosystems as both predators and prey.