A monkey is a mammal in the Haplorhini suborder and the simian infraorder that includes Old World monkeys and New World monkeys but excludes apes (Hominoidea). Monkeys are primates with a wide range of behaviors. They typically live in trees, though some — like baboons and golden monkeys — spend most of their time on the ground.
In the wild, monkeys are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. They are known for their love of fruit, but their diets also include leaves, flowers, and nuts. They may eat insects, spiders, birds’ eggs, small mammals and reptiles, or lizards, depending on their location. In addition, some monkeys are able to hunt and consume meat.
Most monkeys have prehensile tails, which they use to hold on while they pick up food from the ground or in trees. Many monkey species also have large cheek pouches, which they use to gather fruits, leaves, or other foods. Some, such as the colobus monkey, have chambered stomachs that help them digest leaves and other greens.
Some monkeys can communicate with other members of their troop using body language, similar to how people gesture when they talk. For example, when a monkey opens its mouth to show its teeth, it is a sign of aggression or fear, Live Science reported. Grooming is another way monkeys express affection and make peace with each other. They may lick or scratch their own fur to remove parasites or dirt, but they can also groom other monkeys as a way of showing them respect.