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Ramapithecines from China: evidence from tooth dimensions.

R K Wu, C E Oxnard

    Nature
    |November 17, 1983
    PubMed
    Summary
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    Fossil data from China suggests Ramapithecus and Sivapithecus are distinct groups, not a single species. Statistical analysis of teeth indicates significant differences, supporting separate classifications for these early hominoids.

    Area of Science:

    • Paleoanthropology
    • Primate Evolution
    • Fossil Analysis

    Background:

    • Previous studies suggested Ramapithecus and Sivapithecus as distinct hominoid subgroups, with Ramapithecus considered pre-human.
    • Recent hypotheses propose classifying all fossils under Sivapithecus, linking it more closely to modern apes like the orangutan.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To analyze new fossil evidence from Lufeng, Yunnan Province, China, to clarify the taxonomic status of Ramapithecus and Sivapithecus.
    • To statistically evaluate dental dimensions from newly discovered fossils to resolve classification debates.

    Main Methods:

    • Statistical analysis of dental dimensions from a large series of hominine fossils, including nearly complete jaws and partial skulls.
    • Comparative analysis of fossil dental variation against sexual dimorphism in extant great apes.

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    Main Results:

    • Observed differences between previously designated Ramapithecus and Sivapithecus groups exceed those seen between sexes in highly dimorphic living great apes.
    • Bimodal distribution within each group suggests the presence of distinct sex subgroups.
    • New fossil finds from Lufeng provide the most complete skulls and jaws known to date.

    Conclusions:

    • The statistical data supports the continued separation of Ramapithecus and Sivapithecus as distinct groups.
    • The findings challenge the recent proposal to merge these fossils into a single Sivapithecus species more closely related to orangutans.
    • Ramapithecus and Sivapithecus likely represent separate evolutionary lineages within the hominoids.