Final answer:
Most primates reside in tropical or subtropical regions of Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. This includes both arboreal and terrestrial species that have adapted uniquely to their environments, with New World monkeys having prehensile tails exclusively for tree dwelling.
Step-by-step explanation:
Most primates live in tropical or subtropical areas of the New and Old Worlds. Non-human primates have primarily adapted to life in the trees, with their evolution closely tied to forested habitats. For example, species like baboons and the Patas monkey have adapted to terrestrial life, but they are exceptions rather than the rule. In the New World, which consists of Central and South America, primates such as capuchin monkeys and those with prehensile tails, are primarily arboreal and inhabit tropical forests. The Old World, comprising regions of Africa and Asia, also hosts a variety of primate species that occupy tropical forests, including both arboreal and ground-dwelling species, like macaques and baboons. Anthropoid monkeys, which are part of the primates, evolved from prosimians and are divided between the New World and Old World groups. New World monkeys are arboreal, while Old World monkeys can be both arboreal and terrestrial. The arboreal lifestyle in the New World has led to adaptations such as grasping tails, while Old World monkeys often have reduced tail use and some have developed ischial callosities.