Old World monkeys are quite numerous: at this time zoologists account for 96 varieties.They settled exclusively in the Eastern Hemisphere (except mona monkeys and green monkeys. They were in the XVII century brought from Africa, and they are fully adapted to life on the tropical islands of the Caribbean).Unlike Cebidae, have the Old World are closer to human anatomical features.They have 32 teeth (at Cebidae - 36), some of them are deprived of the tail, and those with whom he was not enjoying it at climbing trees.In most species the pelvis performs the same function as that of the man - supports the internal organs in the upright posture.Old World are divided into two main groups: Old World monkey and hominoid.There are even a third family parapitekovyh that completely extinct.
area of distribution of these primates is very broad and is not limited to the tropical belt.Of course, catarrhini prefers rich fruits and vegetable food evergreen forests, but it is also found inside and outside.The most northerly views considered Japanese MAGO (39 ° C. M.).From winter frosts, which sometimes reach -12 ° C, these monkeys are saving hot springs.In Europe, it preserved to this day only one species - tailless monkey that lives in Gibraltar (36 ° C. M.).Also described are two species that live in the coniferous forests of Tibet: to withstand harsh continental climate helps monkeys thick coat.
It is mostly small animals, even within the family meet its maxim: the smallest is considered a dwarf marmoset (35 cm), and the largest catarrhini - gorilla (meter and 75 cm).All the primates of the family - with narrow nostrils (except tolstotelov with wider nasal septum. All of them are diurnal. Another characteristic feature is the cheek pouches where the animal adds "in reserve" for food. In a relaxed environment, where individualnot afraid that food will take away relatives, she gets it, chews and eats.
catarrhini - like a monkey and hominoid - has enough brain development. It uses a variety of tools for foraging: the stones to break nuts, sticks to huntsnakes. Primates purified young Smolny shoots from the bark and slips them into an anthill. The ants stick to stick and monkey they lick. Especially striking his mental faculties great apes. Gorillas and chimps can learn sign language and communicate with people.
family of Old World monkeyin turn divided into actual monkeys (they also include macaques) and the dog-headed (baboons).The latter is clearly sticks out forward lower face that creates a resemblance to a dog's snout.Baboons have also developed tusks, which they show as a symbol of social status or danger as a threat to the enemy.It inhabits this catarrhini in a society with a highly developed hierarchy: a pack of each individual to someone subdued and someone wins.Zoologists believe that such a hierarchy existed in the primitive herd people.
Of particular interest is the hominid black monkey, also known as pygmy chimpanzees or bonobos.For a long time he was considered the chimpanzees, and only in 1957, identified as a separate species.His skin is black (an ordinary chimpanzee - pink), a sloping, narrow shoulders and long legs.It publishes barking, harsh sounds.Lives bonobos in the area between Lualaba and Congo.Until now, this kind of poorly studied, and its population is not more than ten thousand individuals.Long black hair, parted in the middle split, red lips on a black face, high forehead, intelligent eyes and give a human face to the animal completely.
