Types Of Monkeys
All About the Different Types of Monkeys
There are approximately two hundred types of monkeys in the world. They live in many different kinds of habitat--some are arboreal, living in trees and others are terrestrial, living on the ground. All monkeys have many similar characteristics, such as being able to use both their feet and hands. Some monkeys can use their tails as if it were an extra hand--monkeys that can hold onto things with their tails are called prehensile. All types of monkeys eat seeds, leaves, nuts, fruit, flowers, bird’s eggs, spiders, insects, and very small mammals. Monkeys in captivity in Zoos tend to eat a diet of fruits and vegetables.
All types of monkeys fall into one of two different groups: Old World Monkeys and New World Monkeys. The Old World Monkeys live in Asia and Africa, and include baboons, macaques, and colobus. On the other hand, New World Monkeys live in South America, Central America, and Mexico. Examples of New World Monkeys are spider monkeys, squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys and woolly monkeys. Another group in the New World Monkeys includes tamarins and marmosets.
There are several differences between the types of monkeys in these groups. For instance, Old World Monkeys have a nose where the nostrils are small and very close together. They also have cheek pouches so that food can be collected and carried around until it is eaten later. Another difference is that Old World Monkeys have pads on their butt or rump which protects them when they are in a sitting position.
New World Monkeys, on the other hand, have noses with the nostrils set further apart. They have no cheek pouches at all, nor do they have rump pads. They do have what is known as a prehensile tail, which means they can use it to grasp in the same way as fingers and toes.
Monkeys are very social creatures and live together in very large groups like a big family. The young are born totally helpless and are carried around by their mothers. Monkeys communicate in several ways--they use the movement of their bodies, they make different noises and change facial expressions. A monkey staring at you is not a good thing. Rather, it is meant to be threatening. Monkeys making very loud noises are usually protecting their territory.
While among humans smiling is considered a friendly facial expression, it is just the opposite with all types of monkeys. It is an aggressive sign with a monkey, as is yawning or bobbing the head up and down. Monkeys show one another affection by grooming. Grooming means a monkey wants to make up after a fight or express friendship. It also helps them keep clean by removing dirt, parasites and dead skin.