What is the scientific name of a monkey? The term “monkey” can be understood literally, as it refers to a general nomenclature for a group of mammals within the infraorder Simiiformes.
Monkeys are one of the most studied and interesting animals in the world, found in forests, jungles, and even the heart of urban spaces. Monkeys are believed to be very intelligent and highly social. People often talk about monkeys as though they are all the same, but not many people know the correct scientific name for monkeys.
In this article, we will introduce a monkey’s scientific name, the monkey’s biological classification, and why this nomenclature is important in zoological studies. Species of monkeys and their scientific names, as well as differences, will also be discussed.
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What is a scientific name for a monkey in biology?
If asked, what is the scientific name of monkey? The question has several volumes of answers concerning the types of monkeys. For example, for the Rhesus monkey, it is Macaca mulatta.
Another terminology for a monkey brings about a much longer scientific name, i.e. called Macaca mulatta, in case most frequently used in research or referred to in biology?
Understand the biological name for monkey
A formal name assigned to species per biological classification systems is known as the biological name for monkey. This convention, the binomial naming system, takes into account the genus as well as the actual species name.
For example:
- Genus: Macaca
- Species: mulatta
- Scientific name: Macaca mulatta
This structure is followed by all living organisms. Hence, the biological name of the monkey gives it a unique identity throughout the world.
Monkey Scientific Classification
The zoological name of a monkey is the same as the scientific name, but it is used in animal science and zoology. Below is an example of the biological classification of the rhesus monkey.
| Taxonomy Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Primates |
| Family | Cercopithecidae |
| Genus | Macaca |
| Species | mulatta |
This classification of names will enable scientists to understand the relationship of monkeys to other animals in the animal kingdom. Other types of monkeys are Capuchin monkeys or Howler monkeys, and they fall into a different genus from the monkeys, so that they can be given their scientific name for the monkey species.
Different Types of Monkey’s and Their Scientific Name
There are over two hundred and sixty species of monkeys in the world, divided into two main groups: Old World monkeys and New World monkeys.
Old World Monkeys and their scientific names
Found in Africa and Asia, these monkeys include:
- Baboon: Papio anubis
- Rhesus Monkey: Macaca mulatta
- Langur: Semnopithecus entellus
New World Monkeys and their scientific names
These are native to Central and South America:
- Capuchin Monkey: Cebus capucinus
- Howler Monkey: Alouatta palliata
- Squirrel Monkey: Saimiri sciureus
Every species has its monkey scientific name, such that no two monkey scientific names are interchangeable. By the very nature of the scientific name, when people refer to the scientific name of monkeys, they are specifying one particular species.
