Which Eocene fossil families included ancestors or possible ancestors of modern primates?

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During the Eocene Epoch (56 million to 33.9 million years ago), three primary fossil families emerged that are recognized as ancestors or possible ancestors of modern primates:12

  • Adapidae: This family includes probable ancestors of modern lemurs and lorises. They were widespread across North America and Europe.12
  • Omomyidae: Members of this family are considered possible ancestors of modern monkeys and apes. Fossils from this group have been discovered in North America, Europe, Egypt, and Asia.12
  • Tarsiidae: This family includes the ancestors of modern tarsiers. Eocene representatives, such as Necrolemur antiquus and Afrotarsius chatrathi, are likely to contain the lineage leading to the modern genus Tarsius.12

While these families represent the primary groups, fossil evidence also indicates that the earliest monkeylike primates (Simiiformes) began to emerge in Asia during the latter part of the Eocene, approximately 45 million years ago.12