How many different species of monkey are there? What are the differences between monkeys and humans?
BiologyClass 10CBSEAnswered 25 May 2026
Answer
Species count: Approximately 334 (see above).
Differences between monkeys and humans:
| Feature | Monkeys | Humans |
|---|---|---|
| Brain size | Smaller relative to body | Much larger relative to body |
| Bipedalism | Walk on all fours | Walk upright on two legs |
| Tail | Most have tails | No tail |
| Language | Calls and gestures | Complex spoken and written language |
| Tool use | Limited (rocks, sticks) | Advanced and diverse |
| Abstract thinking | Very limited | Highly developed |
| Social complexity | Troop social structures | Complex societies, laws, institutions |
| Lifespan | 15–30 years typically | 70–80+ years typically |
| DNA similarity | Macaques ~93% similar to humans | - |
Monkeys and humans share a common ancestor but diverged millions of years ago. Humans are more closely related to apes (chimpanzees share ~98.7% of human DNA) than to monkeys.
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