Kenyapithecus

Kenyapithecus is a genus of extinct ancient primates found in eastern Africa. These primates are considered part of the evolutionary lineage of great apes and humans.1

There is no scientific consensus on whether Kenyapithecus is a direct ancestor to early hominins. However, it is among the primates suggested as potential ancestors, alongside others like Griphopithecus, Dryopithecus, and Sahelanthropus. Kenyapithecus lived approximately 16 to 14 million years ago.2

The environments inhabited by these early primates varied. Kenyapithecus lived in Kenya, and the fossil evidence suggests that early hominins occupied diverse biomes, including woodlands, savannas, and bushlands.23