How Does a Monkey Adapt to Its Environment?

Adaptations for Feeding

The highly developed brains of monkeys allows them to make mental maps of food locations such as fruit trees and knowing when the fruits will be ripe and therefore ready for food. They also are able to grip food with their hands like humans. Some monkeys also have special tails that serve as a fifth limb when gripping food.

Adaptations for Living and Survival

Monkeys' bodies are adapted for their tree-climbing lifestyle. They have forward-looking eyes that enable them see distances below from great heights. They also have hands and feet that allow them to grip on trees as well as opposite-matching fingers and toes that allow them to wrap their hands or feet around objects or tree branches for a firm grip. This ability allows them to be agile and to avoid predators.

Monkeys have highly developed brains responsible for their behavioral similarities to humans. They form strong social ties, and some monkeys live in small family groups providing support to each other, which in turn ensures their survival. Monkeys are also able to communicate with each other with hand gestures and special sounds.

Resources

• All About Monkeys from Encarta