Ceboidea is the superfamily of New World monkeys (Platyrrhini) that includes several families of primates native to Central and South America. In anthropology and primatology, it’s a key taxonomic grouping used to understand primate diversity, ecology, and evolution.
🌍 Definition
- Ceboidea: Superfamily within the infraorder Platyrrhini (New World monkeys).
- Families Included:
- Cebidae (capuchins, squirrel monkeys)
- Callitrichidae (marmosets, tamarins)
- Atelidae (howler, spider, woolly monkeys)
- Pitheciidae (uakaris, sakis, titis)
- Distribution: Tropical and subtropical forests of Central and South America.
🔑 Characteristics
- Nasal Structure: Broad, outward-facing nostrils (platyrrhine nose).
- Tails: Many species have prehensile or semi-prehensile tails (especially Atelidae).
- Size Range: From tiny marmosets (~100 g) to large howler monkeys (~10 kg).
- Diet: Omnivorous—fruits, leaves, insects, small vertebrates.
- Social Systems: Highly variable, from small family groups (marmosets) to large multi-male, multi-female troops (howlers, capuchins).
📚 Anthropological & Evolutionary Contexts
- Evolutionary Divergence:
- New World monkeys (Ceboidea) split from Old World monkeys (Catarrhini) ~35–40 million years ago.
- Behavioral Studies:
- Capuchins (Cebidae) are known for tool use and intelligence.
- Howlers (Atelidae) are studied for vocal communication and territoriality.
- Human Connection:
- Comparative research on cognition, sociality, and ecology informs our understanding of human evolution.
- Conservation:
- Many ceboids are endangered due to deforestation, hunting, and the pet trade.
In short: Ceboidea is the superfamily of New World monkeys—including capuchins, squirrel monkeys, howlers, spider monkeys, sakis, and marmosets—central to anthropological and evolutionary studies of primate diversity.
