Facts About Monkeys

Monkeys are a group of mammals that include both the New World monkeys, which live in Central and South America, and Old World monkeys, which live in Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe. There are more than 250 extant species of monkeys across the two groups.

Almost all monkeys are omnivores, eating both plants and animals. They eat a variety of different things, including fruits, nuts, leaves, seeds, insects, birds’ eggs, and small mammals.

Some monkeys, like baboons, eat meat when they can find it. They can also take advantage of the food sources that other animals leave behind, such as young antelope and rabbits.

They also eat leaves, which are abundant in their habitats. Colobus monkeys and langurs have a chambered stomach that allows them to ferment and digest leaves.

Their diets depend on where they are living and what time of year it is. Some eat fruit during the winter, but they switch to leaves and seeds during the dry season when other foods are scarce.

A common monkey trait is that they use their prehensile tails to hold on while they collect food. It helps them to reach down into the branches of trees and gather fruits, leaves, and other items they need for their bodies.

They also rely on their brains, which help them weigh risks against rewards. When a ripe mango appears, for example, a monkey has to decide whether to climb up to the top of the tree and grab it. The brain releases cortisol when it thinks the risk is too great, and dopamine when it thinks the reward will be worth the effort.