How Monkeys Communicate With Their Groups

Monkeys are voracious eaters with diets that range from juicy tropical fruits to crunchy bugs and just about anything else you can imagine. When a monkey gets a mouthful of something tasty, brain chemicals are activated that tell the animal to seek more of the same. In the wild, monkeys can smell or taste plants and know which ones are safe to eat and which are poisonous.

Besides fruits, monkeys love to munch on leaves and roots. Many species eat insects and even birds’ eggs. They also drink water, which is essential for their high energy, tree-climbing lifestyles.

Like humans, monkeys communicate with their groups using vocalizations, facial expressions and body movements. For example, when a monkey bares its teeth, it may look like a smile, but in monkey society that’s a sign of aggression, Live Science previously reported. When monkeys are stressed, they may shake or huddle.

In the wild, monkeys often hunt or scavenge food in groups called troops. These can range in size from a few to thousands of animals. Within large troops, monkeys sometimes form harems, which consist of an adult male and several females with their offspring. Unattached adult males, who are called bachelors, sometimes leave the troop to find their own mates.

Monkeys in captivity have been shown to display a wide range of emotions, including love, anger and sadness. They also appear to mourn the loss of loved ones. They can even laugh.