Final answer:
Platyrrhines are New World monkeys found in Central and South America, known for their broad noses and prehensile tails distinguishing them from Old World monkeys. They belong to the Haplorrhini suborder, and it's believed that they may have originated in the Old World, adapting separately due to geographical isolation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Platyrrhines in Primatology
Platyrrhines, or New World monkeys, are a distinct group of primates that are exclusively found in Central and South America. They are part of the Haplorrhini suborder, which also includes tarsiers, Old World monkeys, apes, and humans. Platyrrhines are known for their broad noses with outward-facing nostrils and are often characterized by their prehensile tails, which they use for grasping and for extra support when moving through the trees. These characteristics differentiate them from their Old World counterparts, the Catarrhini, which possess narrow, downward-pointing nostrils and are found across Africa and Asia. The evolutionary history of the New World monkeys is fascinating, and research suggests that they may have originated in the Old World and reached the New World via drifting log rafts or land bridges, leading to separate adaptive radiations.
Within the diverse world of primates, the Platyrrhini are classified into five different families, each exhibiting unique traits and adaptations. The arboreal lifestyle of most New World monkeys also contrasts with the Old World monkeys, which include both arboreal and ground-dwelling species. This divergence reflects their separate evolutionary pathways and the biological diversity found in primate adaptation.