Monkeys are one of the most beloved animal species in the world due to their friendly and playful nature. Did you know: the word monkey originates from a German character called Moneke, who is the son of an ape in Reynard the Fox fable?
Originally, there was no major distinction between apes and monkeys, and they were considered one and same species. Some regions still use the words ‘ape’ and ‘monkey’ as synonyms, however, ape and monkeys are two distinct species.
In the 20th century, more research on evolution led to a clear distinction between primates; and monkeys were established as the first link in the evolution of humans.
Scientific classifications of monkeys are now based on a system on monophyletic grouping. This means that all monkeys are considered as a common descendant of one common ancestor. There are two main types of monkeys: New World monkeys and Old World monkeys; the former come from South and Central America while the latter is mainly found in Asia and Africa.
Monkey Types Chart
Capuchin Monkey
Capuchin monkeys are from the New Work monkey group and come under the subfamily called Cebinae. They are really popular in popular culture since they have been used in many movies and television shows such as Friends.
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They are kept as pets in a lot region but they can be very messy and aggressive; capuchin monkeys require a lot of training so that they can be kept as a pet. They are mostly found in Central and South America.
They usually live on the coast of Costa Rica and Panama along the wet lowland forests. They also thrive near the Pacific coast, dwelling in the dry forests of the region.
Marmoset Monkeys
Marmosets are from the New World monkey species and are also called zaris. Marmosets are small monkeys, growing an average of 8 inches in height. They are on the primitive side with nails rather than claws and tactile hair on their wrists.
Their brain layout resembles other relatively primitive species and they have no wisdom teeth. They are mainly found in South America and can be raised as pets, although it is discouraged. They have a very active nature and live on a diet of insects, fruits, and leaves.
Tamarin Monkey
Tamarins are really small New World monkeys that come from the family of Callitrichidae. They have facial hair that looks like a mustache and they grow from 13 cm to 30 cm. They have lower canine teeth and are mainly found in Central and South America. They are omnivorous creatures with a diet of fruits, plants, insects, bird eggs, and small vertebrates.
Lion Tamarins
Tamarins have different sub-species including the beautiful orange-golden colored Lion Tamarins. Lion Tamarins can grow up to 30 cm in height and weigh up to 900 grams.
They use their fingers to hold on to branches and search for insects to eat with their claws. This species also consumes small fruits, small lizards, and snakes. They are under the list of critically endangered or endangered.