Monkeys are a large group of primates found on most continents, except Australia. They are known to be smart animals. There are many different species of monkeys, including macaques and baboons. Many of them live in tropical rainforests and trees, but some have adapted to harsh environments.
Most monkeys live in groups of males and females. A troop can be as small as a family or as large as hundreds of individuals. Depending on the species, they breed seasonally.
Some monkeys have developed special diets. For example, some species of monkeys have specialized stomachs, which allow them to digest toxic foliage. Others have prehensile tails, which allow them to hold onto the trunks of trees.
The earliest primates are from the Late Paleocene and Early Eocene epochs. Today, they reside in Central and South America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Antarctica.
Monkeys and apes are similar in terms of their intelligence and social behavior. Both groups use body language to communicate. However, their dialogue is limited. Those that live in the Old World region have two types of languages. One type is open-ended, allowing for both black and white words, and the other is black and white only.
Monkeys are generally omnivores, eating plant-based foods. Some species have special diets, such as rhesus monkeys, which are used in medical research. These animals have thick fur to protect them from the snow.
Some monkeys are considered endangered, such as the golden snub-nosed monkey, which lives in the forested regions of South and Central America. It is one of the most endangered primates on Earth.