New World Monkeys
New World Monkeys are descendants of African simians that once colonized South America. They are composed of five families: Callitrichidae, Cebidae, Aotidae, Pitheciidae, and Atelidae endemic to Mexico and Central and South America. Most are small to medium size, with the largest being southern muriqui and the smallest pygmy marmoset. Their flatter nose with side-facing nostrils separates them from the Old World monkeys, which have narrow noses. Besides, they have prehensile tails, and twelve premolars instead of eight. They are also arboreal, form monogamous bonds with great paternal care, and eat fruits and small mammals.
The American continent is the ideal place to find the New World monkey. That is from Mexico to Argentina, mainly in the forest where they can swing among trees during play and also find abundant food to eat. They descended from the African simian and crossed the Atlantic over 40 million years ago.
New World monkeys have large brains compared to their body size. However, this doesn’t mean they are smarter but it is because of their diet. Even so, the most intelligent species in the New World monkey is the Capuchin. This monkey has been recorded fashioning products and even using tools.
Howler monkeys are the largest among all New World monkeys. They produce loud howls and are also the only folivores in this category. This monkey is very social, living in groups of multiple females with one to three males. It is rarely aggressive but gentle, hence a common pet.
