The notion of monkey has multiple uses. The concept can be used to refer to the animal that belongs to the group of apes .
Monkeys, therefore, are primates that, because they have morphological characteristics similar to those of humans , are classified as anthropoids . It is important to keep in mind that the notion of monkey does not have a taxonomic value.
Taxonomy is the science that studies the methods, principles and objectives of classifying species, usually from a scientific point of view. In particular, it is applied in the field of biology to organize groups of plants and animals in a hierarchical and systematic manner. Therefore, the term "monkey" does not provide us with data as precise as those that would come from applying this discipline.
It is often said that monkeys are the animals most similar to people. These mammals not only share physical traits with Homo sapiens , but they can also have similar behaviors and attitudes.
Orangutans are among the best-known monkeys. A few decades ago, scientists discovered that they are able to use tools to access food. Chimpanzees and gorillas are also part of the monkey group.
Scientists have a special fascination with monkeys and their similarities to our species . For this reason, they have been studying them for decades to understand how close we really are. One of the points on which we relate is the sense of justice ; In 2003, important discoveries were made regarding this, following a study in which a group of monkeys expressed discontent if they did not receive a fair reward for their work.
The experiment took place in the United States and consisted of gathering a group of female capuchins , who were assigned a specific task after which they were given a reward that could consist of grapes or cucumbers. It should be noted that this species prefers grapes; Therefore, those who received cucumbers complained, threw them away and even stopped collaborating. In other cases, some of the individuals who received grapes without believing they deserved them returned them and exchanged them for cucumbers.
Another similarity between us and monkeys is that they also like to be tickled. Although other species can enjoy them, apparently humans and primates associate them with laughter, something that does not happen in the rest. Monkeys use tickling as a form of play with each other and emit a light gasp that we can interpret as an equivalent of laughter.
Just like us, some monkeys kiss, hug, and pat each other on the back with their friends. It is a way to express your affection and loyalty or even to make peace after a fight.
It should be noted that there are other uses of the term monkey . This is the name given to the piece of clothing that is made in a single piece , with the pants and the body joined together.
When an individual makes gestures similar to those made by apes, on the other hand, it is called a monkey. Furthermore, as an adjective , the word can refer to one or something that has an attractive or pleasant appearance . For example: "My grandson's girlfriend is a very cute girl," "After the remodeling, the hotel was cute," "I bought a cute suit for the New Year's party."
Mono , finally, is a compositional element that refers to what is unique or alone. Words like "monopoly" , "monorail" , "monogamy" and "unicycle" , among many others, are formed with this element .