What infraorder distinguishes New World monkeys, including capuchins, from Old World monkeys?
Answer
Platyrrhini
The infraorder *Platyrrhini* specifically encompasses the New World monkeys, a classification based primarily on distinctive facial morphology. The key distinguishing characteristic of this group is their nose structure: they possess flat noses with nostrils that project or point outward laterally. This contrasts sharply with Old World monkeys, apes, and humans, whose nostrils face downwards. The *Platyrrhini* infraorder establishes the capuchin's evolutionary branch within the primate order, setting them apart from their Old World counterparts.
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