Ancient ape fossil in Egypt challenges the story of human origins

Scientists discover a 17-million-year-old ape fossil in Egypt that could rewrite early ape evolution

A new fossil ape named Masripithecus was found in northern Egypt. This discovery suggests northeastern Africa played a larger role in early ape evolution. Previously, East Africa was considered the primary region for ape diversification. The Masripithecus fossil fills a geographical and evolutionary gap in scientific understanding. This find expands the map of early hominoid origins beyond East Africa.

Ancient ape fossil in Egypt challenges the story of human origins

A newly identified fossil ape from northern Egypt is reshaping ideas about where the ancestors of modern apes first emerged. Analyses place it closer to living apes than any known East African species of the same age, pointing to North Africa and the Middle East as a possible birthplace and crossroads for the ape lineage that eventually produced gibbons, orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, and humans.