The 264 known extant monkey species represent two of the
three groupings of simian primates (the third group being
the 21 species of apes). Monkeys are generally considered
to be intelligent and, unlike apes, monkeys usually have tails.
Monkeys range in size from the Pygmy Marmoset, at 140 to 160
millimetres (5–6 in) long (plus tail) and 120 to 140 grams
(4–5 oz) in weight, to the male Mandrill, almost 1 metre (3.3
ft) long and weighing 35 kilograms (77 lb). Some are arboreal
(living in trees) while others live on the savanna; diets
differ among the various species but may contain any of the
following: fruit, leaves, seeds, nuts, flowers, eggs and small
animals.
|