How are monkeys classified?

Monkeys are classified within the Primate order, which is further divided into two infraorders: Haplorhini and Strepsirrhini.

Strepsirrhini includes lemurs, lorises, and galagos, which are considered more primitive primates.

Haplorhini includes tarsiers, monkeys, and apes, and is further divided into two parvorders:

* Platyrrhini (New World Monkeys)

* Catarrhini (Old World Monkeys and Apes)

Here's a breakdown of the classification of monkeys:

Order: Primates

Infraorder: Haplorhini

Parvorder:

* Platyrrhini (New World Monkeys):

* Family: Cebidae (Capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, marmosets)

* Family: Aotidae (Night monkeys)

* Family: Pitheciidae (Titi monkeys, sakis, uakaris)

* Family: Atelidae (Howler monkeys, spider monkeys, woolly monkeys)

* Catarrhini (Old World Monkeys and Apes):

* Family: Cercopithecidae (Old World Monkeys)

* Subfamily: Cercopithecinae (Baboon, macaque, mangabey, mandrill, guenon)

* Subfamily: Colobinae (Colobus, langur, proboscis monkey)

Key Differences between New World and Old World Monkeys:

* Nose: New World monkeys have flat noses with outward-facing nostrils, while Old World monkeys have narrow noses with downward-facing nostrils.

* Tail: Most New World monkeys have prehensile tails that can grasp objects, while Old World monkeys have non-prehensile tails, except for the Barbary macaque.

* Habitat: New World monkeys live in the Americas, while Old World monkeys live in Africa and Asia.

Remember: This classification is constantly evolving as new research emerges.

This classification helps us understand the evolutionary relationships between different monkey species and their unique adaptations.