Facts About Monkeys

monkeys

Monkeys are small, hairy primates with prehensile tails (tails that can grasp and hold) or non-prehensile tails (tails that do not grip or hold on). They use their tails for balance and movement as well as clinging and leaping from branches.

They are diurnal and live in groups called troops. They have a variety of social structures, including one-male groups and multimale, polygamous troop systems.

Some monkey species live in troop systems that are pair-bonded, meaning a monogamous male and female breeding pair form the basis of the group. These species include titi monkeys and marmosets from South America, whereas macaques, capuchins and baboons live in multimale, polygamous groups.

Most monkeys are omnivores, which means they eat both fruits and other plant-based foods. They may also eat other animals, such as lizards or bird eggs.

They communicate through a variety of methods, including vocalizations, facial expressions, postures and touch. They are also able to learn new behaviors by watching and observing others.

These animals are smart and can solve problems. Some species can even learn to use tools to accomplish tasks, such as Japanese macaques who can open nuts with rocks.

Their ability to create mental maps of the forest canopy helps them travel efficiently from one fruiting tree to the next, researchers have found.

While monkeys are sometimes kept as pets, they are not suitable for most homes. They require more space than a typical house can offer, and they are very curious creatures who like to get into things. They can also carry parasites and zoonotic diseases, which are dangerous to humans.