A monkey is a primate that is found in many parts of the world. They are a very smart animal and can learn lots of different things. They are also a bit naughty and can get into all sorts of mischief both in captivity and in their natural environment.
Monkeys have large brains and are known for their inquisitiveness, although they do not approach the intellectual levels of the great apes. For instance, some, like the capuchins, spontaneously use objects as tools. Others, such as baboons, can be taught to use sticks for cracking nuts. But in contrast to apes, most monkeys seem not to learn from their peers-individuals more or less have to figure out new behaviour for themselves.
The main predators of monkeys are big cats, such as lions and leopards, which can chase them down through the trees and kill them with their sharp claws. Another danger for monkeys is eagles, which can swoop down from high in the sky and catch them with their talons.
Most monkeys live in groups that are called troops. They can live in either the forest or the savannahs, depending on their species. They are a very social animal, and they can build friendships with each other. For example, they might groom each other to show affection or respect. They can also remember their interactions with each other, and a friend that helped them out in a fight will be more likely to help them again in the future.