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The earliest most complete skeleton of Theropithecus
Stephen R Frost1, Nina G Jablonski2, Yohannes Haile-Selassie3
1Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1218, USA.
Journal of Human Evolution
|May 11, 2023
Summary
Researchers discovered the oldest known partial skeleton of Theropithecus, an ancient baboon, in Ethiopia. This significant fossil provides new insights into early hominin environments and primate evolution during the middle Pliocene epoch.
Area of Science:
- Paleoanthropology and Primate Evolution
- Fossil Discoveries in East Africa
Background:
- The Woranso-Mille site in Ethiopia's Afar Region is a rich source of early hominin fossils.
- Multiple hominin species coexisted in this region during the middle Pliocene.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the discovery of the oldest partial skeleton of the extinct baboon genus Theropithecus.
- To analyze the postcranial skeleton of the specimen (ARI-VP-1/26) to determine its taxonomic status and evolutionary significance.
Main Methods:
- Excavation and in situ recovery of a partial skeleton from the Mesgid Dora Tuff (3.66-3.57 Ma).
- Analysis of postcranial skeletal morphology, particularly long bone dimensions and hand/foot elements.
- Comparative analysis with extant and fossil Theropithecus and Papio specimens.
Main Results:
- The oldest partial skeleton of Theropithecus (ARI-VP-1/26), a subadult male, was identified.
- Postcranial anatomy, including metacarpals, confirms its Theropithecus status, aligning with Theropithecus oswaldi cf. darti.
- The ratio of the first metacarpal to other metacarpals suggests an intermediate manual dexterity between Papio and Theropithecus.
Conclusions:
- The discovery expands the fossil record of Theropithecus, providing crucial data on its early evolution.
- The specimen's morphology offers insights into the locomotor and feeding adaptations of this extinct primate.
- The high prevalence of Theropithecus oswaldi cf. darti at the Aralee Issie site suggests adaptation to open shrubland habitats.
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