Infant CareMonkeys and apes are mammals that give birth to babies instead of laying eggs like birds and reptiles do. Many species of apes and monkeys live in warmer climates, in rainforests and jungles. Most wild monkeys live on the continents of South America or Africa. However, a few species live in Asia or on isolated islands. Researchers frequently study primates to understand how the animals care for infants in their natural habitats. Of course, there are also many zoos or sanctuaries where a scientist can observe how monkeys care for infants. Cooperative Groups Monkeys and apes typically live in cooperative groups in order to search for food and avoid predators. Mothers living in these groups often receive help from other members to care for their babies. This activity is unusual in many animal species but has several benefits in helping babies survive. Additionally, most monkeys and apes only give birth to one baby at a time, making it easier to provide long-term care. Because only one baby is born to a mother at a time, they receive a lot of individualized attention. Cleaning a Baby's Skin Chimpanzee mothers often have babies late at night in a secluded area, away from other members of the group. After the baby is born, the mother will hold him and gently clean his hair and skin. Grooming is an important part of the bonding process between mother and infant. This behavior also helps the infant and mother recognize each other's particular odor. Understanding smell is important to chimpanzees because it helps locate them when it's too dark to see. Because chimpanzees are a mammal, the mother breastfeeds the child for several months until it can eat regular food. Prot...... middle of paper ...... to prevent infestation of dangerous parasites. Mothers breastfeed their babies several times a day for about a year. A male baboon will leave his cooperative birth group as he grows to find mates in other groups. However, females remain in the same group their entire lives. One InfantSpider monkeys have extremely long arms, legs, and tails that help them move through the treetops. This new world monkey lives in social groups to protect itself from predators, especially humans. Approximately every three years, an adult female gives birth to a child. Mothers carry their babies on their stomachs or backs while breastfeeding. A baby spider monkey clings to its mother with its strong prehensile tail. As the baby grows, he will begin to seek out different food sources. Male spider monkeys never help care for infants in cooperative groups..