The Life of Animals | Spider Monkey | There are many theories about the evolution of the atelines; one theory Is that spider monkeys are most closely related to the Woolly spider monkeys (Bractyteles), and most Likely split from the Woolly monkeys (Lagothrix and Oreonax) in the South American Lowland forest, to evolve Their unique locomotory system This theory is not supported by fossil evidence. Other theories include Brachyteles, Lagothrix and Ateles in a non-resolved trichotomy and two clades, one composed of Ateles and Lagothrix and the other of Alouatta and Brachyteles More recent molecular Atelinae Evidence Suggests That split in the middle to late Miocene (13 Ma), separating from the Woolly spider monkeys spider monkeys and the Woolly monkeys Spider monkeys form loose groups of 15 to 25 animals.
The average subgroup size is less than four animals Also less common in Primates, females rather than males disperse at Puberty to join new groups. The strongest social bonds are formed the between females and Their young offspring. Spider monkeys Communicate Their intentions and observations using postures and stances, Such as postures of sexual receptivity and of attack. When a spider monkey sees a human approaching, it barks loudly similar to a dog.
Seated monkeys may Sway and the make noise. Males and occasionally adult females growl menacingly at the approach of a human. The monkeys also defecate and urinate toward the intruder Spider monkeys are diurnal and Spend the night sleeping in carefully selected trees. Spider monkeys have been observed avoiding the upper canopy of the trees for Locomotion. One researcher speculated Because That this was the thin branches at the tops of trees do not support the monkeys as well At 107 grams, the spider monkey brain is twice the size of a Howler monkey brain of equivalent body size; this is thought to be a result of the spider monkeys' complex social system and Their frugivorous diet, the which consists primarily of ripe fruit from a wide variety (over 150 species) of plants.
The ba male from her group with Whom to mate. Both males and females Sniff Their mates to check Their readiness for copulation. The infant wraps its tail around its mother's and tightly grabs her midsection. Mothers are very protective of Their young and are Generally attentive mothers.
