What is the Difference Between Old World and New World Monkeys?

Old World and New World monkeys are two main groups of monkeys that differ in various aspects, including their geographic origin, preferred habitat, diet, and physical characteristics. Here are the key differences between the two groups:

1. Geographic Origin: Old World monkeys are native to Africa and Asia, while New World monkeys are indigenous to the Americas.
2. Preferred Habitat: Old World monkeys can be both ground-living and tree-living, while New World monkeys are predominantly arboreal (tree-dwelling).
3. Diet: Old World monkeys are either herbivorous or omnivorous, depending on the subfamily, while New World monkeys tend to be frugivorous or insectivorous.
4. Tail Anatomy: Old World monkeys have tails, but they are not prehensile like those of New World monkeys, which are often longer and used for grasping.
5. Physical Characteristics: Old World monkeys generally have downward-pointing nostrils, flat fingernails, and padding on their buttocks. New World monkeys, on the other hand, have a wide variety of appearances, including different fur colors, body shapes, and sizes.
6. Infant Care: New World monkeys often have males involved in infant care, while Old World monkeys rarely do, with females typically taking on the primary caregiving role.
7. Carrying Young: Old World mothers usually carry their babies on their bellies, while New World babies more commonly ride on their mothers' backs.

Comparative Table: Old World vs New World Monkeys

Here's a table comparing the differences between Old World and New World monkeys:

New World monkeys are smaller and more arboreal, with prehensile tails and fewer premolars than Old World monkeys. They also have a flat nose and lack trichromatic vision, except for the Howler Monkey. Old World monkeys, on the other hand, have more diverse habitats, non-grasping tails, and possess trichromatic vision.