A monkey is an omnivorous mammal that often lives in treetops, where it can easily access a wide variety of plants and animals. Monkeys are also known for their quick reactions and smart thinking. They evolved fast reactions to protect their young, hunt for food and avoid predators. They are also very good at problem solving and have evolved complex social behavior.
Scientists classify monkeys into two groups: Old World monkeys and New World monkeys. The Old World monkeys include apes, including humans, and are called catarrhines because their noses are narrow and their nostrils point downward. The New World monkeys, including marmosets and tamarins, have broad, flat noses. Old World monkeys have tails, while New World monkeys do not.
Monkeys are intelligent animals and have been shown to learn to use tools, such as rocks and branches, to crack open nuts. They also make mental maps to efficiently travel through the forest canopy from one fruit-rich tree to another. They are able to identify other monkeys by the sound of their call and can even tell the difference between the calls of different species.
Monkeys are a highly adaptable group of mammals that can live in a wide range of habitats, from rainforest to desert. They can even occupy habitats that have been altered by humans. However, introducing new species of monkeys to an area can upset the natural balance and create problems.