AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Atelidae . The atelids are the largest NWMs (5-15 kg) and consist of two subfamilies, Alouattinae and Atelinae (Table 1). All five genera have a long, prehensile tails. Within the Alouattinae, there is just one genus, the howler monkeys (Alouatta).

Detailed explanation-2: -Despite its usefulness, the prehensile tail is found only in two groups of primates: Cebus – the capuchin monkeys– and the atelines, a group that includes the howler (Alouatta spp.) and spider (Ateles spp.) monkeys. These monkeys are only found in Central and South America.

Detailed explanation-3: -The forests in Central and South America are chock full of vines that monkeys use like tightropes to traverse between trees, so having an extra grip is helpful for balance and helpful in case of emergency.

Detailed explanation-4: -On one hand, some species of New World monkeys possess prehensile tails, meaning they can use their tails to grasp or hold on to objects (2). Their tails can aid these monkeys in finding and eating food in the canopy as well as moving amongst the trees, as their tails provide extra support and balance.

Detailed explanation-5: -Some New World monkeys, such as those in the family Atelidae, have tails that are prehensile. Catarrhines lack prehensile tails.