spider monkey
For more information on spider monkey, visit Britannica.com. [1]
Spider monkey is the common name for the arboreal, tropical New World monkeys comprising the genus Ateles of the primate family Atelidae, characterized by very long, prehensile tails, long arms, and thumbless hands. [2]
Spider monkeys of the genus Ateles are New World monkeys in the subfamily Atelinae, family Atelidae. [1]
Spider monkeys are usually all black, but some have flesh coloured rings around their eyes and white chin whiskers. [3]
Spider monkeys live in evergreen rainforests, semi deciduous and mangrove forests, almost never coming to the ground. [4]
Found in tropical forests from southern Mexico to Brazil, spider monkeys belong to the subfamily Atelinae with the woolly spider monkeys (genus Brachyteles) and the woolly monkeys (genus Lagothrix). [2]
A troop’s social system seems to have evolved in parallel with the species food requirements which is directed at the most nutritious, large fleshy seeded fruits. [4]
Any of four species (family Cebidae) of diurnal, arboreal New World monkeys found from Mexico to Brazil. [...] Any of several tropical American monkeys of the genus Ateles, having long legs and a long prehensile tail and lacking a thumb. [1]
During those months of the year when they have to depend on small, scattered sources of fruit, such as from palm trees, lone individuals and smaller aggregations are found moving through the forest. [...] The females have a more active leading role than males, so their social system is thought to be matriarchal. [3]
Also less common in primates, females rather than males disperse at puberty to join new groups. [5]
This arboreal monkey has a prehensile tail that is muscular and tactile and is used as an extra hand. [3]
The slow rate of development in spider monkeys may also play a role, females giving birth once every three to four years. [2]
Spider monkeys are characterized by their long, slender limbs and great agility. [3]
Sources:
[1] spider monkey: Definition from Answers.com
[2] Spider monkey - New World Encyclopedia
[3] Spider Monkey
[4] Spider Monkey
[5] Spider monkey - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia