What are monkeys?
Monkeys are small or medium-sized primates that typically have long tails. There are more than 260 types of monkeys all over the globe, in different sizes, shapes, and colors. These mammals are intelligent and have opposable thumbs, which makes them similar to humans.
There are two major categories of monkeys: New World and Old World. New World monkeys live in different parts of the Americas, with tails that can grasp and hold things and round nostrils set far apart. Old World monkeys live in Asia and Africa and don’t have tails that can get and hold onto things, plus their nostrils are smaller and close to each other. Old World monkeys also have special pockets in their cheeks to deposit food.
Top 10 Monkeys Facts for Kids:
- Most monkeys live their lives in trees, but there are some exceptions, like the baboon. Baboons prefer the ground!
- All monkeys have tails, but some have tiny ones that look like small lumps.
- They eat different foods, but the most common are seeds, flowers, fruits, leaves, eggs, and small insects.
- The smallest type of monkey is the Pygmy Marmoset. An adult only weighs up to 140 grams.
- The largest type of monkey on the planet is the Mandrill. An adult male can weigh up to 35 kilograms!
- Monkeys are active during the day, except for Owl monkeys, which awake at night.
- They use noises, movements, and facial expressions to communicate.
- Monkeys become adults after 3-4 years of life. They spend the first years with their parents.
- Apes are typically counted as monkeys, but they are not.
- Monkeys are called a ‘tribe,’ a ‘troop,’ or a ‘mission.’
Monkeys Quiz for Kids
Put your knowledge of monkeys to the test with these fun quiz questions; the answers are written below but don’t peek until you’ve finished!
- What is the largest species of monkey?
- Where do monkeys like to live?
- True or false? Apes are monkeys.
- Do all monkeys have tails?
- True or False? Monkeys sometimes eat insects
Answers
- What is the largest species of monkey? Mandrills are the largest species of monkeys.
- Where do monkeys like to live? So naturally, monkeys want to live in trees.
- True or false? Apes are monkeys. Apes are not monkeys, although many people think they are.
- Do all monkeys have tails? Yes! Although some monkeys’ tails look like stumps.
- True or False? Monkeys sometimes eat insects. True! They also eat seeds, fruits, and flowers.
