Monkeys are a highly intelligent species of primates, closely related to humans and apes. They are found in the wild and in captivity and can be a popular choice for pets. They are also used as models in research laboratories and on space missions. In addition, monkeys are featured in numerous books, television programs and movies, such as the tv series Monkey or the literary characters Monsieur Eek and Curious George.
In the wild, monkeys typically live together in groups called troops. These groups are led by a dominant male and contain a mix of females and other males, according to Nature Education. The leader is often able to control the troop and mate with all of the females, but he must be careful not to let rival males get too close or they may bite him to show their dominance. Males may also use brightly colored faces (such as blue and red on mandrills) to attract females or warn other males of their presence.
A large portion of a monkey’s diet consists of fruits, leaves, insects and other invertebrates. They are also known to eat flowers and roots. Some species of monkeys are able to use sticks and rocks to crack open nut shells or to crush the shells of seafood or vertebrates.
Some monkeys use their hands to pick at food and will even wipe their mouths after eating to clean away any residue. This behavior is most likely a form of self-grooming, and there is some evidence that it helps them avoid parasites.