Monkey Facts
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Along with apes and lemurs, monkeys constitute one of the three primate groups. Here are some interesting monkey facts. Learn more by clicking the types of monkeys link.
- Primate taxonomy continues to change, however, currently (2010) the IUCN recognized 361 species of primates, and a total of 630 species and subspecies.
- Scientists recently discovered the fossilized remains of a gigantic ape. At 10 feet in length and 1,200 pounds, they believe it to be the largest primate to ever live among humans.
- Apes are generally differentiated from monkeys by the absence of a tail.
- Standing six feet tall and weighing in at the four hundred pound mark, the Eastern Lowland Gorilla is generally considered the world's largest primate.
- The Mandrill is the world's largest monkey.
- Marmosets, New World Monkeys that inhabit tropical rain forest in South America are the smallest monkey species.
- Measuring in at less than six inches in length,the Pygmy Marmoset is the smallest monkey.
- Measuring in at about the four inch length, the Pygmy Tarsier ranks as the smallest primate.
- Second only to the Blue Whale in vocal ability, the howler monkey is recognized as the loudest land mammal to inhabit planet earth.
- Recent DNA research shows that chimpanzees and humans share approximately 96% similar DNA.
- While most primates inhabit tropical and subtropical areas of the world, the Japanese Macaque is recognized as the northern most ranging primate species.
- The white-faced capuchin monkey (Cebus capucinus) which can live longer than 50 years.
- With over one hundred different species, Brazil tops the list as the world's primate host.
- A group of monkeys is called a troop.
- The Barbary Macaque, a resident of Gibraltar, is the wild monkey inhabiting European soil.
© 2010. Patricia A. Michaels.