Facts About Monkeys

monkeys

Monkeys are very social animals. They have a great deal of intelligence and are able to solve complex problems. Most species live in troop-like groups of males and females.

Monkeys are close relatives to humans. They are often found in tropical forests. Some monkey species are endangered and are protected. Others are hunted for food or traditional medicine.

Many monkeys eat seeds, nuts, leaves, fruits, and insects. Others eat the brains of other animals. These brains are a source of nutrition for some animals in Africa, South Asia, and China.

Monkeys are found in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. There are around 334 species of monkeys. Almost all species are active during the day. In some cases, the monkeys use brachiation, where they walk on their hind legs while using their arms to swing from branch to branch.

Some species are omnivorous, while others are primarily insect eaters. Monkeys tend to live in large troops. Males lead the troops. Females are usually mothers, and they usually stay with their troop of young. However, males may leave their group and join a new one.

Monkeys can be divided into two major groups: New World and Old World. The New World includes many species of acrobatic spider monkeys, noisy howlers, and sakis.

There are also a variety of other New World species. One is the pygmy marmoset, the smallest monkey in the world. This tiny creature is only six inches long and weighs less than a pack of playing cards.