The unattached monkey eating a banana measures approx 9. The string of attached monkeys and the detached monkey eating a banana has a total measurement of approx. The string of 5 monkeys don't come apart. The separate monkey eating a banana can be attached to either end of the string of monkeys.
One of the monkey's arms has been secured by thread, but it is certainly not noticeable. The monkeys don't have to be in a long chain. They can also be'looped' around and positioned differently. However, they must stay attached.