Facts About Monkeys

monkey

Monkeys are members of the Haplorrhini suborder of simian primates. They have five digits and a flat nose. In addition, they have forward-facing eyes.

Monkeys are social animals that form troop groups. The members of a troop are typically female. Males are usually antagonistic to females.

Depending on the monkey’s society, they breed seasonally or continuously throughout the year. Females are generally in the troop at birth and remain there throughout their life.

These monkeys are very intelligent. They have large brains and can solve complex problems. However, they do not reach the cognitive levels of apes.

Some species are arboreal and avoid traveling on the ground. Others are primarily terrestrial. Regardless, most species breed seasonally or continuously.

Most monkeys have an alpha male and a troop of females. Grooming seems to be an important way for the monkeys to maintain good social relationships.

Monkeys live in Africa, Asia, Central America, and South America. Many monkeys have prehensile tails and long arms relative to their bodies.

The oldest captive rhesus macaque was 43 years old when she died in 2021. Baboons can live 20-40 years.

Monkeys have been used in research, especially in the field of neuroscience. This includes studying the brain’s functions, development of medical and vaccines for infectious diseases, and testing new methods of treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

Monkeys are endangered by humans, who threaten them through hunting and development. In addition, they are killed for their meat and bushmeat.