* Taxonomy is constantly evolving: Scientists are always discovering new species, refining classifications, and debating existing ones.
* "Monkey" is not a precise scientific term: It's a common name used for a broad group of primates, excluding apes. This means there are many different families, subfamilies, and genera within this category.
* Thousands of species: There are hundreds of recognized monkey species, and even more subspecies, making a comprehensive list extremely lengthy.
Instead of a list, here's a way to explore monkey diversity:
1. Start with the families: Look at the major families within the infraorder Simiiformes, which includes monkeys. These include:
* Cercopithecidae: Old World monkeys (Africa and Asia)
* Cebidae: New World monkeys (Central and South America)
* Aotidae: Night monkeys (Central and South America)
* Pitheciidae: Titi monkeys, sakis, and uakaris (Central and South America)
* Atelidae: Howler monkeys, spider monkeys, and woolly monkeys (Central and South America)
2. Explore each family: Within each family, you'll find multiple genera and species. For example, within the Cebidae family, you have the genus _Saimiri_ (squirrel monkeys) with several species like the _Saimiri boliviensis_ (Bolivian squirrel monkey).
3. Use online resources: Websites like the IUCN Red List, Animal Diversity Web, and the Encyclopedia of Life are great sources to browse monkey species and their classification.
Remember, the best way to learn about the amazing diversity of monkey species is to explore further and delve into specific families, genera, and species that pique your interest!