Top of the forest
Colobus monkeys are usually found
at the top layer of branches in
African rainforests.
Q What does a monkey eat?
A Most monkeys will eat whatever
they come across, including birds’ eggs, fruit
and the sap from plants. Several species
of monkey will even attack and eat
other monkeys. Howler monkeys
of South America and colobus
monkeys of Africa eat
the leaves of any
type of tree. The
digestive system
of leaf-eating
monkeys is similar
to that of other
herbivores, like
deer and cows.
Monkeys
Monkeys belong to the group of mammals called primates,
which also includes apes and humans. All three species share
certain characteristics, such as narrow noses and five fingers
and toes. However, unlike apes and humans, many monkeys
have tails. Monkeys from Asia and Africa have noses that point
downwards, while monkeys from Central and South America
have broad noses and nostrils that open sideways.
The Living Planet
Q What are the common characteristics
of primates?
A All primates have a large brain, and their
eyes face forwards, allowing binocular vision.
Most of them have thumbs on both hands
and feet that can be used for grasping.
Their highly developed brain helps
them to remember things, and to
understand others.
Q How many primate
species are there in the world?
A There are more than
350 species of primates in the
world, divided into two groups.
Small to medium-sized
primates, such as lemurs and
lorises, have long whiskers
and well-developed senses of
smell and hearing. The rest
of the primates, including
humans, apes and other
monkeys, are part of the
‘humanlike’ category. This group
consists of about 175 species.
Most of these primates have flat
faces and a poor sense of smell.
42
Quick Q’s:
1. Why is the Japanese
macaque also known as
the snow monkey?
The Japanese macaque,
commonly known as
the snow monkey, is
one of the few primate
species that live in
cold regions. They are
found in the mountains
of Honshu in Japan.
When it is very cold,
these monkeys move
near hot springs to
keep themselves warm.
2. What is grooming?
Monkeys and apes
groom each other’s fur
using their hands. This
helps not only to get
rid of parasites and dirt
but is also an important
part of socializing.
3. Why are monkeys
called social animals?
Most species of
monkeys live in
groups. The size of
a group depends on
how much food is
available and if there
are predators around.
4. Do howler
monkeys howl?
Howler monkeys make
a peculiar barking
sound. They can
be heard up to
3 kilometres
(1.9 miles) away.
Ringed tail
Lemurs are easily
identified by their
ringed tails.
Big hug
Snow monkeys
are often found
huddling near hot
springs to keep
warm.
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