Old World monkeys are a group of primates that belong to the family Cercopithecidae and subfamily Cercopithecinae. They are distinguished from other primates primarily by their geographical distribution, as they are native to the regions of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The term "Old World" in their classification differentiates them from the "New World monkeys" found in Central and South America.
These monkeys are characterized by certain anatomical features such as a long, slender body, non-prehensile tails, and downward-facing nostrils. They exhibit a wide range of sizes and appearances, with some species having brightly colored fur, while others possess more subtle hues. Old World monkeys are highly adaptable and can be found in a diverse range of habitats like forests, grasslands, savannahs, and mountains.
Behaviorally, they are known for their complex social structures and organized group behavior. Most Old World monkeys live in troops, which are hierarchical units consisting of multiple males, females, and their offspring. They display diverse feeding habits, ranging from primarily herbivorous to omnivorous, and their diet typically includes fruits, leaves, seeds, insects, and small vertebrates.
Old World monkeys encompass a diverse range of species, including baboons, macaques, colobus monkeys, mandrills, and langurs, among others. They have played significant roles in research related to primate behavior, evolution, and biomedical studies due to their close phylogenetic relationship with humans. With their adaptability and widespread distribution, these primates have successfully survived in various ecosystems for millions of years.
