The
New World monkeys or
Platyrrhines are the two families of
primates that are found in Central and South America, the
Callitrichidae and
Cebidae. Both families differ from the
Old World monkeys and apes in having prehensile tails. Technically they are distinguished from Old World monkeys on the basis of the structure of the nose. Many are small,
arboreal and
nocturnal, so our knowledge of them is less comprehensive than that of the more easily observed Old World monkeys. Unlike most Old World monkeys, many New World monkeys form
monogamous pair bonds, and show substantial paternal care of young.
