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About primates Monkeys and apes

Monkeys and apes

Monkeys, apes and prosimians are found under the large primate family. The term primate can be literally translated as “supreme animals”. On a biologic point of view, humans are also classified as primates.

The differences between all the primates are enormous. A pygmy marmoset weighs less then 100 grams, a gorilla, about 200 kilo. But all primates also have a lot in common.

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Well developed hand grip

This comes in handy while climbing, leaping and while holding things. The primates have a strong grip because their thumb can reach all fingers. Most of the primates also have a grip function of their feet.

Large brains

The brains of the primates are, in relation with their body weight, bigger then those from other animals. This allows them to learn and retain lots of information, for example, where to find food, how to distinguish between friends and enemies and which behaviour patterns to use in large social groups. Only the dolphins and the whales (which are not primates) have brains that are comparable in size.

Excellent eyesight

Due to their large eyes forward orientation, the primates have stereoscopic sight allowing them to estimate distances. This comes in handy while climbing and leaping from one branch to the other. They can also see colours that several animals cannot see. This way, they see if the fruits are ripe and they can recognize different flowers, fruits and leaves. This capacity of differentiating colours can also be important during the mating period. 

Social groups

Nearly all primates will spend their entire life being part of a social group. One of the most important advantages is safety. All the eyes and ears are directed to find potential predators. This is particularly important for the young animals because they may depend on their parents and the other members of the group for a longer period.