Facts About Monkeys

Monkeys are a fascinating species with a long history of interaction with humans. They are often seen as characters in movies and TV shows, including Curious George and Monkey Business, or as beloved pets. They can also be used in scientific experiments and as models in space missions. Some monkeys are even kept as therapy animals for people with disabilities.

Monkeys use vocalizations and body language to communicate with each other. For example, a monkey’s staring at another may indicate a threat, so the other animal will likely respond by looking down or away to avoid a fight. Other body language signals include bared teeth, which can look like a smile but actually means aggression or fear, Live Science reported.

Most monkeys are omnivorous and eat both plants and animals. Some species, such as howler and colobus monkeys, have digestive tracts that allow them to extract hard-to-catch food items from tree branches or bark. Others, like capuchin monkeys and apes, have special skills that help them find insects and other small creatures on the ground or under rocks, including termites, spiders, and ants.

Most monkeys are active during the day, but some species, such as owl monkeys, are active at night. They move around using all four limbs, which they use to grasp branches and other objects. Many monkeys have a fur coat, but some, such as baboons and male mandrills, have bare areas of skin on their faces and buttocks. Some types of monkeys have prehensile tails that they can use to grip or hold on to branches.