Monkeys are small to medium-sized primates, and they are often characterized by their curiosity and cleverness. They are found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, deserts, rivers, and coastlines. Most species are arboreal, living entirely on trees or moving back and forth between land and trees, but some monkeys also live in a dry forest environment called a savannah. Monkeys have long, powerful tails, which they use for balance and to swing from tree to tree.
Most monkeys are social creatures and live together in groups, called troops. The members of a troop are usually related females and their offspring. However, male monkeys sometimes form their own group. These one-male groups, called harems, are often led by a dominant male that is given access to all females in the troop for mating.
Many monkeys communicate with each other through facial expressions, body movements, and noise. They have a variety of calls, which include barks, purrs, cries, peeps, and squawks. Some species of monkey can even produce deep howls!
Like most primates, monkeys are active during the day. In general, Old World monkeys are larger than New World monkeys. Some kinds of monkey have prehensile tails, while others have short stubs for tails.
Monkeys are intelligent animals that have a lot to teach us about ourselves. They are often featured in books, movies, and television shows. They are also a popular choice as exotic pets, and some monkeys have been trained to provide assistance and companionship for people with disabilities. In the wild, monkeys are threatened by humans who hunt them for food or to sell as pets. Tough laws are needed to protect these wonderful creatures and their natural habitats.