Platyrrhini refers to a suborder of primates, commonly known as New World monkeys, which encompass a diverse group of arboreal species found predominantly in Central and South America. The term "platyrrhini" originates from two Greek words: "platys," meaning flat, and "rhinos," meaning nose. It highlights an anatomical distinction these primates possess, characterized by their broad, flat noses with widely spaced nostrils that open from the sides.
New World monkeys are distinguished by their unique dental formula, which consists of three premolars and two molars on each side of their upper and lower jaws. Within Platyrrhini, there are five families: Cebidae, Atelidae, Pitheciidae, Callitrichidae, and Aotidae, comprising over 150 recognized species. They vary greatly in size, ranging from the tiny pygmy marmoset to larger species like howler or spider monkeys.
Being well-adapted to arboreal habitats, these primates possess features such as strong prehensile tails, allowing them to grasp branches and navigate their environment with agility. Additionally, they possess versatile limb structures, enabling them to exhibit a wide range of locomotor behaviors, including quadrupedal walking, climbing, brachiation (arm swinging), and leaping between branches.
New World monkeys are highly diverse in terms of diet, with species consuming fruits, leaves, flowers, insects, nuts, and even small vertebrates. They exhibit both solitary and social behaviors, living in varying group sizes, from small family units to large troops. Many of these species are considered keystone species in the ecosystems they inhabit, playing crucial roles in seed dispersal, pollination, and
