Monkey is a term used to refer to some species of primates. Not all primates are apes, but all apes are primates. the order Primates is divided into two suborders: Strepsirrhini and Haplorrhini. in suborder Strepsirrhini, included are lemurs, lories and galaxy. in suborder Haplorrhini, in turn, include the tarsians and anthropoids. Anthropoids include apes and humans.
You monkeys are important animals for the environment, acting, for example, in the dispersion of plant species. Unfortunately, nowadays, it is observed that several species of monkeys are threatened with extinction due to factors such as fragmentation of monkeys. habitat, hunting, animal trafficking and infectious diseases.
Read more: Endangered animals in Brazil and around the world
What are monkeys?
monkeys are animals mammals, therefore, among its main characteristics, we can highlight the presence of hair on its body and mammary glands, which produce milk, used in the feeding of the puppies. Monkey hairs have different shades depending on the species studied.
As mentioned, monkeys are animals belonging to the order Primates, just like humans. Among the main characteristics of primates, we can highlight the well-developed brain, the eyes facing forward, and the so-called opposable thumb. The opposable thumb in monkeys is important for them to be able to grasp objects, working as true tweezers.
Does the human being descend from the ape?
It is very common for people to say that man came from the ape or is descended from that animal. This information, widespread in society, is, however, wrong. When it comes to men and apes, what we have in common is the sharing an ancestor at some point in ourevolutionary history.
Read too: Darwinismo – development, references, natural selection vs. artificial selection
What are the risks to monkeys?
Several species of monkeys face a population reduction trend. The reasons that triggered this reduction are numerous. Monkeys, as well as many other animal species, suffer, for example, from the problem of destruction of their habitat.
Across the planet, there has been an increase in destruction of areas where these animals live. The reasons are varied, including logging for the increase of the agricultural area and the use of wood; road building; increase in cities; and mining. THE hunting, both for meat consumption and for sale as pets, it is also observed in many parts of the world and affects different species of monkeys.
Illnesses iinfectious they are also related to declining monkey populations. In Brazil, one of these diseases is yellow fever, which, from time to time, is responsible for killing thousands of these animals. Between 2008 and 2009, for example, yellow fever killed more than 2,000 howler monkeys and howler monkeys in the Rio Grande do Sul.
Read more: Anthropogenic actions in the environment - negative and positive
What are the species of monkeys?
Let's get to know a little more about some species of monkeys below:
- Black-faced Spider Monkey: is one of the largest species of spider monkey in existence, with a body of about 70 cm and a tail that can reach a meter. Its tail and long arms and legs allow the animal to move easily through the trees. As the name of these animals suggests, they have black fur on their body and face.
- Golden Lion tamarin: is a species found exclusively in Brazil and that stands out for having hairs that vary from golden to red-gold. The term lion is present in the name due to its head fur resembling a mane. These animals play an important role in seed dispersal.
- White-tufted marmoset: is a small animal that weighs about 400 grams. It stands out for the white fur on the ears, hence the origin of its name. These animals live in groups of approximately six individuals, this group being led by the oldest female.
By Vanessa Sardinha dos Santos
Biology teacher
