Baby monkey coloring book

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Learn about monkeys

Monkeys are lively, intelligent primates that belong to the taxonomic infraorder Simiiformes. They are distinguished from apes by their smaller builds, tails, and lack of shoulder joints that allow true brachiation. There are over 260 known monkey species, most of which are arboreal.

Monkeys inhabit a wide range of environments including forests, mountain areas, tropical jungles, savannas, and semi-arid landscapes. Some species like baboons and macaques have adapted successfully to human-disturbed habitats. Monkeys are highly social and live in troops that can range from a few to hundreds of individuals.

Most monkeys are omnivorous, feeding on fruits, seeds, flowers, eggs, and small invertebrates. Their front and rear-facing eyes provide excellent depth perception. Monkeys use vocalizations and body language to communicate within their troops. Male monkeys are often larger than females. Higher ranking monkeys enjoy greater access to resources.

From the acrobatic spider monkey to the sacred Hanuman langur, monkeys showcase a remarkable range of adaptations. Due to their similarity to humans, monkeys are widely studied to understand neurology, psychology, and evolutionary history. Monkey behaviors also make them hugely popular in zoos, media, and culture worldwide.