A monkey is a hairy, omnivorous primate that eats fruits, vegetables and other plants and sometimes catches insects, reptiles and rodents. Typically, they have prehensile tails that help them grip and swing through the trees. They can also walk on all fours or use arms for moving.
Most species are found in Asia, Africa and South America. Monkeys breed seasonally and give birth after a gestation period that varies by species. Some monkeys eat meat, including young antelope, rabbits and birds like guinea fowl. Others, such as geladas, graze on grass.
Monkeys are very intelligent and are able to solve problems and learn new behaviors. They are also very curious and can be naughty.
Most monkeys are omnivorous. Some species are fruit eaters, while others consume nuts, seeds and leaves. Some also eat insects, animals’ eggs and small mammals. Most monkeys fill up their large cheek pouches with fruits, flowers and leaves when they forage.
In some cases, monkeys are cannibalistic and eat other members of their troop. This behavior is called coturnism and is quite rare.
Some monkeys enjoy eating dry cereal or steamed rice in addition to their natural diet of berries, bananas, apples, watermelon and other fruits. However, these foods should be given in moderation as they are not part of a monkey’s normal diet.