Monkeys are a group of primate species that live primarily in tropical rainforests. Some monkeys, like macaques and baboons, are terrestrial, while others are arboreal (living on trees).
They are found throughout the world, from Africa to Asia, as well as South and Central America. They are a great source of entertainment for children and can help teach them about animal life in the rainforests.
Unlike apes, which also use branches for shelter, many primates move around the forest on all fours (quadrupedalism). Monkeys with prehensile tails, such as spider monkeys, hold onto branches with their tails as they walk through the tree canopy; non-prehensile tails rely on arm swinging and clinging to trees for balance.
The most important tool used by monkeys in their search for food is their mouth. They chew on leaves, twigs and fruit for long periods to get the nutrients they need.
They also use their noses and ears to detect danger or to signal for help from other members of the troop. They also use their feet and hands for grabbing sticks or rocks, making them adept climbers of the trees that they inhabit.
Their faces are short and flat, without a prominent muzzle, distinguishing them from apes. They also have a tail and a narrow chest.
Some monkeys have babies that are different colors from the adults; colobus and langurs have newborns that are white, while cotton-topped tamarins have infants that are orange.