Why Only Some Monkeys Have Awesome Tails

The video explores the evolution of prehensile tails in monkeys, particularly in Central and South America, where these tails have evolved twice. It contrasts this with monkeys in Africa and Asia, which lack prehensile tails despite similar arboreal lifestyles. The video suggests that environmental differences, such as the presence of vines in American forests, may explain this divergence. It also considers the energy cost of maintaining prehensile tails and the possibility of random evolutionary paths. The vine theory is presented as a plausible explanation for the evolution of these tails.

What are some possible reasons for the difference in tail evolution between monkeys in different regions?

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How many times have prehensile tails evolved in monkeys in the Americas?

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