Monkeys

Jennifer G.

Period 1 

6-3-11

Monkeys

Monkeys are primates that live in trees in tropical countries. There are New World monkeys, which are the five families of primates that are found in Central and South America. They are small to medium size. Monkeys are considered to be smart and unlike apes, they usually have tails. New World monkeys have small tails and Old World monkeys non-visible tails. What they eat depends on the species but is most of the time fruit, leaves, seeds, nuts, flowers, eggs, and small animals.  

The ape, New World monkeys, and Old World monkeys share some like the types of noses, cheeks and the wrinkles they look very different from each other. Some of the New World species are Pygmy Marmosets, Squirrel monkey, Spider monkey and many more. Some of the old world monkeys are Golden Snub Nose monkey, Patas Monkey, Colobus Monkey, Mandrill and more. Each one has its own special acrobatic and vocal abilities depending on the region they live in and the food they eat. Monkeys have very interesting vocal sounds that they use to call each other or announce danger. 

Monkeys life span depends on their species. Some species live for 20 and others for 45 years. Monkeys live in groups called troops. Living in troops allows them to have protection against predators. This helps them have a longer life span. Monkeys groom each other to create a bond between there own species.

In some areas, monkeys are considered pests because they cause many damages to agriculture. Monkeys that live in tourist areas are also considered pests because they attack the tourists. This causes humans to hunt them affecting endangered monkey species. 

Some organizations help people by training capuchin monkeys as helpers. They assist people with mobility problems and mental disabilities. Monkeys help them by doing tasks around the house like microwaving food, washing the patients face or opening drinking bottles. Before they are placed in a home they go through hard trainings since they are born. They are socialized in human homes and trained to know how to do the tasks and become comfortable around humans. When the trainer feels a monkey is ready he then finds a patient in need for assistance and places the monkey in their home.

In conclusion, monkeys are very interesting animals. Even though monkey have attacked and even killed human’s people seem fascinated with the idea of having them as pets. Many queens have had monkey as pets especially in the early years. Monkeys have been around for a long time and are a good subject to research.