* Species variation: Different monkey species have different sizes, body shapes, and levels of agility. A tiny marmoset will be much slower than a powerful baboon.
* Terrain: A monkey's speed will vary depending on the terrain they are navigating. Rough ground, obstacles, and steep inclines will all slow them down.
* Motivation: A monkey might sprint if it's fleeing a predator but walk casually if it's just foraging.
However, some generalizations can be made:
* Most monkeys are surprisingly fast on the ground for their size. They are agile and have good balance, which allows them to move quickly and change direction.
* Larger monkeys tend to be faster than smaller ones. This is due to their longer strides and greater muscle mass.
* Monkeys adapted to living primarily on the ground, like baboons, are typically faster than those who spend most of their time in trees.
Specific examples:
* Baboons: Can reach speeds up to 30 mph in short bursts.
* Chimpanzees: Can run at about 20 mph for short distances.
* Marmosets: Can reach speeds of 5-10 mph on the ground.
Ultimately, a monkey's speed depends on a variety of factors, and it's difficult to pin down an exact number.