Monkeys are mammals that belong to the order primates, also called simians. They are broadly divided into two groups: the “old world” monkeys of Africa and Asia, and the “new world” monkeys of Central America and South America.
The difference between monkeys and apes is that monkeys have tails, while apes don’t. They are also different in size, intelligence, and behavior.
They live in tree-filled habitats, such as tropical forests. Their diets include fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, flowers, insects, and birds’ eggs.
Their limbs are used to grasp branches, and their hands and feet are used for climbing, moving, and jumping. They have five digits, but their thumb and big toe are divergent, which allows them to grasp with the opposite hand or foot.
A few types of monkeys are tree dwellers; others spend time on the ground. For example, geladas and golden monkeys live in mountains, while Japanese macaques are found in areas that snow during the winter.
They have a variety of social behaviors, such as grooming and play, which helps them communicate with other animals. They may form small family groups consisting of a mated pair and their offspring.
Most monkeys are diurnal, meaning that they move during the day. They are nocturnal only in the case of some species, including night monkeys and lemurs.