Amphipithecidae

The Amphipithecidae family, known from fossils dating to the late middle Eocene Epoch (around 38 million years ago), is typically considered to be early anthropoids, a group that includes modern monkeys, apes, and humans. The most well-known member is Ganlea megacanina, identified from fossilized lower jaws and teeth found in Myanmar.1

These fossils exhibit distinct dental characteristics, such as enamel with prominent crenulations and compacted lower premolars. Ganlea megacanina had a relatively large lower canine tooth, suggesting it was used for husking fruits to access seeds, a dietary strategy seen in some modern primates. Adult Ganlea megacanina are estimated to have weighed between 1.9 and 2.4 kg.1

There is some scientific debate regarding the exact evolutionary position of amphipithecids, with some scientists favoring a closer relationship to lemur-like adapiform primates. However, if amphipithecids are indeed early anthropoids, their fossils strengthen the argument for an Asian origin of the common ancestors of monkeys, apes, and humans.1