monkey

Monkeys are primates that are not apes. In common usage the term refers to two main evolutionary lineages: New World monkeys (Platyrrhini) of the Americas and Old World monkeys (Cercopithecoidea) of Africa and Asia. They range from small marmosets and tamarins to larger baboons and macaques, and they occupy a variety of habitats, including tropical forests, savannas, and mountains.

Physical characteristics vary widely among monkeys. New World monkeys often have prehensile tails used for grasping branches, and many have a dental formula of 2-1-3-3. Old World monkeys generally lack functional prehensile tails and typically have a dental formula of 2-1-2-3. Platyrrhine and catarrhine features also differ in skull shape and nose structure, with outward-facing nostrils common in many New World species, and downward-facing nostrils more typical of Old World monkeys and apes.

Ecology and behavior: Monkeys are typically social animals, living in groups with complex social structures. They can be arboreal or terrestrial, and their locomotion ranges from quadrupedal to brachiation in some species. Diets are diverse, including fruits, leaves, seeds, insects, and occasional small animals. Some species are diurnal, and parental care is usually shared among group members.

Evolution and conservation: Monkeys are part of the primate order, with Old World and New World monkeys diverging tens of millions of years ago. Today, many monkey species face threats from habitat loss, hunting, and human conflict. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and wildlife management, while monkeys remain important for ecological roles and, in some regions, research and education.