- Late Oligocene to Early Miocene (around 30-25 million years ago)
Size:
- Similar in size to a modern-day baboon
Distribution:
- Found in the Fayum Depression, Egypt
Key Characteristics:
- Dental Morphology: - Lower canines were reduced in size. - Upper molars had a Y-5 cusp pattern, similar to humans and apes. - Enamel thickness was intermediate between apes and Old World monkeys.
- Cranial Features: - Relatively small braincase. - Orbital rims were moderately developed. - Nasal bones were short and narrow.
- Postcranial Anatomy: - Long, slender limbs. - Humerus exhibited features found in both monkeys and apes. - Femur had a flattened shaft and a prominent linea aspera (indicating strong muscle attachments).
- Locomotion: - May have been primarily arboreal, but could also have spent time on the ground. - Teeth and postcranial features suggest a more terrestrial lifestyle than later Miocene hominoids.
- Diet: - Likely a frugivore (fruit eater), based on tooth morphology.
- Significance: - Aegyptopithecus is considered a key transitional species between Old World monkeys and hominoids. - Its features provide insights into the evolution of hominoid dental, cranial, and postcranial morphology.