Why is it important to continue studying the anatomy, physiology, sensory ecology, and evolution of howler monkeys?

Abstract

The goals of this first chapter to our volume Howler Monkeys: Adaptive Radiation, Systematics, and Morphology are to highlight the importance of morphological, genetic, and physiological studies for understanding the evolutionary adaptations of this highly successful genus. Many questions continue to exist regarding the systematics, anatomy, and physiology of Alouatta. Despite being one of the most commonly studied primate taxa in the Neotropics, the number of howler species is unresolved, and the distribution of many species and subspecies is poorly documented.