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Book 17, Question 72 · Video

Why Do Monkeys Spend So Much Time Grooming Each Other?

Video · 1:55 · Crafty Clover explains, from A Million Whys Book 17

Monkeys groom each other to clean fur and to build friendships! Grooming removes dirt and tiny pests from fur. It also keeps the whole troop calm and working together.

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What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do monkeys spend so much time grooming each other?

The Big Idea

Monkeys groom each other to clean fur and to build friendships! Grooming removes dirt and tiny pests from fur. It also keeps the whole troop calm and working together.

Clean Fur

Step one: clean fur. A groomer carefully picks through a partner's fur. It removes dirt, dried skin, and tiny parasites that the partner cannot reach by itself, like the middle of its own back.

Make Friends

Step two: make friends. A monkey that grooms a partner often gets groomed in return. Trading help and company builds trust. Friends are more likely to share food and stand up for each other.

Keep the Peace

Step three: keep the peace. Time spent grooming helps the group stay calm and peaceful. A friendly troop works together to find food and watch for danger, so everyone is safer.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Grooming keeps fur clean. It builds trust between friends. It helps monkeys stay calm. And a calm troop works as a team. Grooming is kindness in action. It is how monkeys say, I am your friend.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! A monkey may spend hours each day grooming. Grooming also feels relaxing to the monkey being groomed. Strong friendships can last for years, and grooming helps keep them strong. Never touch wild monkeys. Watch them quietly from afar.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Gently brush a stuffed animal's fur. Notice how relaxing it can be. Why might grooming make a monkey feel calm? Tell a grown-up what you think!

Outro

Monkeys groom to stay clean and to stay friends. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!

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