Simian facts for kids
The simians (infraorder Simiiformes) are a group of "higher primates" that most people are familiar with. This group includes Old World monkeys, New World monkeys, and apes, which also includes humans. Simians are generally larger than "lower primates," which are called prosimians.
Quick facts for kids SimianTemporal range: Middle Eocene – Recent
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Simiiformes
Haeckel, 1866
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Contents
What Are Simians?
Simians are a large group of primates. They are known for having features like forward-facing eyes, which help them see in 3D. Most simians also have nails instead of claws on their fingers and toes. They usually have a larger brain compared to their body size than other primates.
Many simians live in trees, using their hands and feet to climb and move around. They are very social animals and often live in groups. This helps them find food and stay safe from predators.
Where Do Simians Live?
Simians live in many parts of the world. You can find them in the warm, tropical forests of Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. Each type of simian has adapted to its specific environment. For example, some live high in the trees, while others spend more time on the ground.
Types of Simians
The Simiiformes group is divided into two main types:
- New World Monkeys: These monkeys live in Central and South America. They often have wide, flat noses with nostrils that point to the sides. Many of them have a "prehensile tail," which means they can use their tail like an extra hand to grip branches. Examples include spider monkeys and capuchin monkeys.
- Old World Monkeys and Apes: These simians live in Africa and Asia. They have narrower noses with nostrils that point downwards. They do not have prehensile tails. This group includes monkeys like baboons and macaques, as well as apes such as gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, gibbons, and humans.
New World Monkeys
New World monkeys are a diverse group. They are known for their unique tails. Some, like the howler monkey, use their tails to hang from trees. Others, like marmosets, are very small. They eat a variety of foods, including fruits, leaves, insects, and sometimes small animals.
Old World Monkeys
Old World monkeys are found in many different habitats. Some live in forests, while others live in grasslands. They are often larger than New World monkeys. Many Old World monkeys, like baboons, spend a lot of time on the ground. They have strong social structures within their groups.
Apes
Apes are the largest and most intelligent simians. They do not have tails. Apes are divided into two groups:
- Lesser Apes: These are the gibbons. They are known for their amazing ability to swing through trees using their long arms.
- Great Apes: This group includes orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, and humans. Great apes are highly intelligent and can use tools. They also show complex social behaviors.
Diet and Behavior
Simians have a wide range of diets. Many are herbivores, meaning they mostly eat plants like fruits, leaves, and nuts. Some are omnivores, eating both plants and small animals or insects. Their diet depends on what is available in their habitat.
Simians are very social. They communicate using sounds, body language, and facial expressions. Living in groups helps them protect each other from predators. It also helps them find food and raise their young. Young simians learn important skills by watching and playing with adults in their group.
Conservation
Many simian species are facing threats today. Their habitats are being destroyed by deforestation and human activities. Hunting also puts many populations at risk. Conservation efforts are important to protect these amazing animals and ensure they continue to thrive in the wild.
See also
In Spanish: Simiiformes para niños
