Monkeys are haplorhine primates, a group generally possessing tails and consisting of approximately 260 known living species. Many monkey species are tree-dwelling, although there are species that live primarily on the ground, such as baboons. Monkeys are not apes.
The most obvious differences between apes and monkeys are: apes don’t have tails, and they are generally larger than most other primates. Like most rules, this one has exceptions: some monkeys lack tails and some are large. Gibbons, considered to be lesser apes, are smaller than some monkeys. Apes rely more on vision than smell, and their noses are short and broad, rather than snoutlike. Apes are capable of creating tools and using language. They have complex social lives and are capable thinkers and problem-solvers.
The great apes are Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Orangutans and Bonobos. Gibbons and Siamangs are lesser apes. A monkey is any primate that is not a human, prosimian, or ape.
Fast Facts about Monkeys
1. Monkeys can be divided into two groups, Old World monkeys: baboons, macaques, and colobus monkeys live in Africa and Asia; New World monkeys: marmosets, tamarins, and capuchins live in South and Central America
2. The length of the monkey ranges from 140 – 160 mm (5 – 6 inches) including tail, with the weight measuring at 120 – 140 grams (4 – 5 oz). There are some species that are 1 meter (3.3 feet) long with the weight of about 35 kg (77 lb).
3. The Pygmy Marmoset is the smallest type of monkey, with adults weighing between 120 and 140 grams.
4. A group of monkeys is called a “troop.
5. Monkeys express affection and make peace with others by grooming each other.
6. Grinning or pulling the lip is a sign of aggression in monkeys, along with yawning, head bobbing, and jerking the head and shoulders forward.
7.Apes and spider monkeys swing arm-to-arm in trees, but most monkeys don’t. Instead, they run across branches.
8. Monkeys use vocalizations, facial expressions, and body movements to communicate to each other.
9. Capuchin monkeys are believed to be one of the smartest New World monkey species. They have the ability to use tools, learn new skills and show various signs of self-awareness.
10. The lifespan of a monkey is 10 to 50 years, depending on the species.