Amphipithecus

Amphipithecus is an extinct genus of primate known only from fossils dating to the late middle Eocene Epoch, approximately 38 million years ago, found in central Myanmar. Current knowledge of Amphipithecus is limited to partial lower jaws and teeth. These fossils exhibit dental characteristics of the amphipithecid family, including prominent crenulations on unworn cheek teeth and compacted lower premolars.1

The species Ganlea megacanina, within the Amphipithecidae family, possessed a relatively large lower canine tooth, suggesting it was likely male. This canine tooth showed significant wear, indicating it was used to husk fruits to access seeds, a specialized diet uncommon among living primates. Adult G. megacanina are estimated to have weighed between 1.9 and 2.4 kg (4.2 and 5.3 pounds).1

Amphipithecus and other amphipithecids are generally considered early anthropoids, a group that includes monkeys, apes, and humans. However, some scientists propose a closer relationship with adapiform primates. This debate has implications for understanding the origin of anthropoids, as G. megacanina fossils are older than undisputed African anthropoid fossils, potentially supporting an Asian origin for the common ancestors of monkeys, apes, and humans.1