Facts About Monkeys

Monkeys are one of the most fascinating groups of animals. They are intelligent, social, and fun to watch, but they also face serious threats in their natural habitat.

Many species are endangered or facing extinction. They need to be protected in their native lands and there needs to be tough laws put in place to help them survive.

Almost all monkeys are omnivorous and they eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables as well as nuts and seeds. They may also eat other animals such as birds, lizards and insects.

They are generally very intelligent and can solve many problems on their own. However they are still much more primitive than apes and do not reach the cognitive levels of great apes like gorillas and chimpanzees.

There are two main groups of monkeys, known as Old World and New World. The Old World monkeys are called catarrhines and belong to the family Cercopithecidae, which is related to apes and humans.

Some New World monkeys, like spider monkeys and tamarins, have strong prehensile tails, which they use to pull themselves around the forest. Others, like capuchins, spontaneously use tools to get food.

Monkeys have long brains and are highly inquisitive. Some are very skilled at learning and using tools, but they do not yet reach the level of intelligence that apes have.