Facts About Monkeys

Monkeys have large brains that make them inquisitive and intelligent, although they do not reach the cognitive level of the great apes (gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans). Like human children, monkeys can learn from their experiences. They also have a tendency to solve complex problems, such as finding food or cracking open nuts. Some, like capuchins, spontaneously use objects as tools.

Most monkeys are diurnal, meaning active during the day. They spend their time searching for food, urinating to mark territory, and hanging out in trees. They are remarkably adaptable, thriving in challenging environments such as savannas and snow-covered mountains. Geladas and golden monkeys are mountain dwellers, while Japanese macaques, known as snow monkeys, find refuge in hot springs.

A variety of alarm calls warn other monkeys of danger. Vervet monkeys, which inhabit the tropical rainforests of Africa and South America, give loud calls that are heard over 2 miles (3 kilometers) away. These deep howls earned them the name howler monkeys. Other types of monkeys rely on body language to communicate. They bare their teeth or display a yawning expression to show they are scared or angry, while bobbing their heads is a sign of submission or aggression.

Monkeys are used extensively in research, particularly in biomedical areas. They have a unique anatomy, which makes them useful in studies of cellular processes and organs. Monkeys are important for developing vaccines, testing drugs, and determining the effect of various conditions on the body. They can be trained to perform many tasks and are a good alternative to humans in experiments that would be dangerous for humans, such as drug tests or blood transfusions.