Old world and new monkeys evolved independently?

That's correct! Old World and New World monkeys evolved independently. This means they share a common ancestor, but their lineages diverged millions of years ago, and they developed their unique characteristics separately.

Here's a breakdown:

* Common ancestor: Both Old World and New World monkeys are part of the primate order, tracing back to a common ancestor that lived around 40 million years ago.

* Geographical separation: The two groups evolved on separate continents. Old World monkeys evolved in Africa and Asia, while New World monkeys evolved in South America.

* Independent evolution: Due to their geographical isolation, Old World and New World monkeys evolved independently, developing unique adaptations to their respective environments.

Key differences:

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

* Tails: Old World monkeys have non-prehensile tails (they can't grasp objects), while many New World monkeys have prehensile tails (they can use them for grasping and swinging).

* Other adaptations: Old World monkeys have a more diverse range of adaptations, including some that are adapted for living on the ground. New World monkeys are typically arboreal, with adaptations for life in trees.

The independent evolution of Old World and New World monkeys is a fascinating example of how different environments can shape the evolution of similar organisms in unique ways.