Monkey classification, distribution, and anatomical characteristics

Organism: Monkey

Classification and common features

Monkeys are classified under the phylum Chordata, subphylum Vertebrata, class Mammalia, order Primates, superfamilies Cercopithecoidea and Ceboidea. (Classification: Infoplease) More specifically the term monkey "includes all primates that do not belong to the categories human, ape, or prosimian." (Monkey: Encyclopedia Com) There are two main groupings under which monkeys fall. These are New World and Old World monkeys. (Monkey: Wikipedia.)

The common characteristics of moneys include the following. They are all excellent climbers and are arboreal. They mostly live and can be found in subtropical and tropical climates. They are almost exclusively day-active animals. Their physiognomy is similar to humans, with flat faces and eyes pointed forward. They also have stereoscopic vision. Another distinguishing characteristic is that their hands and feet are highly developed for grasping and climbing. Many species have big toes and thumbs which are opposable. (Monkey: Encyclopedia Com)

Monkeys have characteristics similar to all primates. These include the ability to manipulate objects with their hands and a tendency to walk upright. They are also intelligent and capable of a sophisticated social structure and organization. (Primate Characteristics)

2. Distribution and types

There is a wide variety of different money species spread throughout the world. The central division in the wider group of monkeys is between the Old World monkeys and the New World monkeys. "Today, monkeys are classified into two main groups. New World monkeys live in the jungles of South America, Mexico, and Central America. Old World monkeys live in the jungles of Africa, India, and Southeast Asia." ("MONKEY," Young Students Learning Library)

There are essential differences between these two main groupings. For example, some Old World monkeys lack tails; " ... when a tail is present it may be long or short but is never prehensile (grasping)." (ibid) Their nostrils are close together and many species have cheek pouches for holding food, and many have thick pads (called ischial callosities) on the buttocks. Their gestation period is five to nine months. Adult Old World monkeys have 32 teeth. (ibid)

The New World monkeys which are found from S. Mexico to central South America are classified into two families; Callatrichids and Cebids. They have long, prehensile tails with which they can manipulate objects and hang from branches. Another contrast to the Old World monkeys is that they have widely separated nostrils that tend to point outward. They also lack cheek pouches and ischial callosities. Their gestation period is four to five months. Adults of most New World species have 36 teeth. (ibid)

4. Movement and stance

Monkeys normally have an erect posture. Except for the spider monkey, monkeys cannot swing arm-over-arm. They move about in the trees by running on all fours along the braches. They have a similar skeletal structure to other mammals. (Monkey: Encyclopedia Com)

5. Nutrition and life support

Almost all species eat insects, leaves and fruit. However, there are some species of monkey that are carnivores. Some species supplement their diet with different types of food, including lizards, bird eggs, fruit, and plant sap. "Several species of monkeys, and chimpanzees, but not the other apes, have been known to attack and eat other monkeys." (Primate: Encarta Encyclopedia)

6. Habitat

Monkeys commonly live in trees. However, there are some species that live on the ground. They have no permanent home or shelter.

7. Reproduction and social life

Similar to apes and humans, the female monkey has a monthly reproductive cycle. Mating can occur at any time. However, in some monkey species mating is a seasonal occurrence. Monkeys usually produce one infant at a time and the baby is cared for by the mother for a long period of time. With regard to the social structure, monkeys commonly live in groups, as well as separating into male-female pairs. Monkeys can live in large groups or troops of a few hundred individuals.