Grooming and Hygiene:
* "Tooth-brushing": Some monkeys use their teeth to clean their fur, almost like brushing. This is a common behavior in species like baboons and macaques.
* "Pooping in a pile": Some monkey species, like chimpanzees, have a habit of defecating in communal piles, which is thought to be a way to mark territory or communicate.
* "Urine washing": Some monkeys, like Japanese macaques, engage in "urine washing" by soaking themselves in their own urine. This is thought to be a way to regulate their body temperature or for social bonding.
Social Interactions:
* "Kissing": Some monkeys, like chimpanzees, have a complex system of social interactions that includes lip-to-lip contact that is similar to human kissing.
* "Fake yawn": Some monkeys use "fake yawns" to signal a threat to other monkeys. This behavior is believed to be a form of social intimidation.
* "Meat-sharing": Some monkeys, like chimpanzees, share meat after a hunt. This act of sharing is thought to be an important aspect of social bonding and maintaining social hierarchy.
Food and Consumption:
* "Dirt eating": Some monkeys, like spider monkeys, eat dirt as a source of minerals or as a way to neutralize toxins.
* "Alcohol consumption": Some monkeys, like the Tonkean macaques, have been observed to drink fermented palm sap, which contains alcohol.
* "Picking teeth with sticks": Some monkeys, like capuchin monkeys, have been observed to use sticks or other tools to clean their teeth.
Other:
* "Self-medicating": Some monkeys have been observed to self-medicate by consuming specific plants that have medicinal properties.
* "Playing with snakes": Some monkeys, like vervet monkeys, have been observed to play with snakes. This behavior might be a form of exploration or an attempt to learn about their environment.
It's important to remember that what might seem "weird" to us is simply a part of their natural behavior. These habits serve various purposes, from social communication to hygiene and even survival. Studying these habits provides valuable insights into the complex lives of monkeys.