Anthropoid Origins in Asia? New Discovery of <i>Amphipithecus</i> from the Eocene of Burma

DOI Web Site 8 Citations
  • Russell L. Ciochon
    Institute of Human Origins, Berkeley, California 94709
  • Donald E. Savage
    Department of Paleontology, University of California, Berkeley 94720
  • Thaw Tint
    Department of Geology, Rangoon Arts and Sciences University, Rangoon, Burma
  • Ba Maw
    Department of Geology, Mandalay Arts and Sciences University, Mandalay, Burma

Abstract

<jats:p> A new fossil of the primate <jats:italic>Amphipithecus mogaungensis</jats:italic> Colbert from the late Eocene of Burma shows that this species has a mandibular and molar morphology very similar to Oligocene and post-Oligocene higher primates. It has an exceptionally deep jaw. Its brachybunodont first and second molars have smooth enamel but lack hypoconulids. The shape of its second molar is nearly square—an advanced higher primate feature. <jats:italic>Amphipithecus mogaungensis</jats:italic> and related taxon <jats:italic>Pondaungia cotteri</jats:italic> Pilgrim are the earliest known higher primates. They suggest that Southeast Asia was an early theater of higher primate diversification. </jats:p>

Journal

  • Science

    Science 229 (4715), 756-759, 1985-08-23

    American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

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