Monkeys are a primate group of the Haplorrhini suborder and simian infraorder. These include monkeys of the Old World (including apes) and New World monkeys, including monkeys of the family Cebidae, which includes marmosets and tamarins, and capuchins.
They are highly intelligent mammals, capable of complex social and cognitive behavior. In particular, they can be trained to use tools and learn computer programming.
Like humans, they have forward facing eyes and flat noses. They also have opposable thumbs to help with climbing and movement.
Almost all monkeys have fingernails and toenails on all their digits. The thumbs of New World monkeys are in line with the rest, while the fingers of Old World monkeys are rotated and more opposable.
Their hands are similar to human hands, with a small palm on the index finger and an even smaller palm on the middle finger. Some species have toenails on the big toe; others have fingernails on every digit.
A monkey’s mouth is very much like a baby’s: its upper teeth, called the canines, are at the front and the lower teeth, called the incisors, are at the back. These teeth are essential for biting, chewing, and swallowing food.
The gums of some monkeys, such as proboscis monkeys, are covered with callouses called ischial callosities, which allow them to sit upright in a squatting position without falling over.
New World monkeys, whose bodies are larger and more active than their Old World cousins, are often nocturnal (active at night). They have long, prehensile tails, which allow them to move more freely. Some, such as vervets, have a monogamous social structure and show considerable paternal care for their young.