The Lost Species Of Dryopithecini, European Extinct Apes

Have you heard of the enigmatic genus of dryopithecus? Discovered nearly 200 years ago, this genus still holds many secrets that continue to baffle scientists today. While there is one uncontested species within this genus - dryopithecus fontani - it is believed that there may be more species yet to be discovered and assigned. These other potential species could potentially shed light on the origins of the African great apes, and ultimately, our own Homo sapiens sapiens. Join me, Kaylee, as I delve into the world of the European miocene Apes and explore the fascinating genus of dryopithecus.

Unveiling the Mystery: A Look into the Past

In 1856, French paleontologist Edward Lartet first described the fossils of dryopithecus, three years prior to Charles Darwin's publication of "On the Origin of Species." Darwin himself mentioned dryopithecus in his later work, "The Descent of Man," expressing doubt about the African origin of apes. These fossils were initially discovered in France, but other specimens have been found in Spain, Austria, China, and India. Some of these fossils are now contested to belong to a different genus, sivapithecus.

For the purposes of this video, we will focus solely on the genus of dryopithecus. However, it is worth noting that there is ongoing debate and speculation regarding the classification of these fossils. Despite the uncertainty, dryopithecus remains a crucial key in unraveling the origins of our species.

The Oak Tree Ape: Exploring the World of Dryopithecus

Dryopithecus gets its name from the ancient Greek words "dryos," meaning oak tree, and "pithecus," meaning ape. It refers to the belief that these apes lived in oak forests in what is now modern-day Europe. The type species within the dryopithecus genus is called fontani, named after Monsieur Alfred Fontan, the French collector who discovered the first fossils. Fossils of dryopithecus fontani have been found in the French Pyrenees, as well as in Catalonia, Spain, and Corinthia, Austria, all of which were part of the expanding forests in the warm climates of Europe during the miocene.

For a long time, it was thought that dryopithecus was a direct ancestor of the African great apes, including humans. However, recent research has suggested a closer relationship to the sub-family of modern-day orangutans, known as pongine. This new understanding has sparked heated debates about the placement of dryopithecus within the evolutionary timeline.

The Evolutionary Puzzle: Unanswered Questions

Within the genus of dryopithecus, there used to be multiple species assigned, such as fontani, brancoi, lytanas, crucifonte, and corinthiacus. However, today only fontani is recognized as a species in the dryopithecus genus. The other previously thought species have been assigned into different genera.

The reassignment of these species to different genera stems from the discovery of a partial dryopithecus skull in 2009. This finding prompted the theorization that the African great apes, which ultimately led to our Homo sapiens sapiens, actually originated in Europe as part of the European miocene Apes. This revelation highlights the critical role of Europe in shaping the fate of the African great apes and the human clade.

Despite these breakthroughs, the exact origins of dryopithecus and its relationship to other great apes are still debated. Some theories suggest an African origin, while others propose Europe or Asia as potential birthplaces. What we do know is that dryopithecus thrived in the expanding forests of Europe during the miocene, favored by the warm climate and lush vegetation. However, the cooling trend during the middle miocene climate transition led to their eventual extinction in Europe. It is speculated that some dryopithecus populations migrated south into Africa during this time, eventually giving rise to the African great apes.

Unveiling Clues: What We Know About Dryopithecus

While many mysteries still surround dryopithecus, we do have some knowledge about this ancient genus. Their teeth resemble those of modern chimps, with small size and thin enamel. The slender jaw indicates that they were not adapted for eating hard and abrasive foods. The wide molars and premolars suggest a diet heavy in fruit, particularly from ripe fruits and honey. Cavities found on the teeth of Austrian dryopithecus fossils provide evidence of a high-sugar diet from fruits.

The dryopithecus males had larger canines than females, indicative of aggression in modern primates. The face of dryopithecus resembles that of a gorilla, though this similarity is believed to have evolved independently rather than being a result of close affinities with the African miocene Apes. The upper arm bone, or humerus, is similar in size to that of bonobos, indicating a lack of development for suspensory behavior like orangutans. The femur suggests a quadrupedal mode of locomotion, which is intriguing given dryopithecus' preference for fruit from trees.

A Window to the Past: Unraveling the Story of Dryopithecus

Although the genus of dryopithecus remains shrouded in mystery and unanswered questions, it serves as a vital piece to the puzzle of our origins. Its existence highlights the importance of the European miocene Apes and their potential connection to the African great apes and Homo sapiens sapiens. As time goes on, it is likely that we will uncover more about this fascinating genus and species. For now, we can only marvel at the limited knowledge we have gained thus far.

What are your thoughts on dryopithecus, the European great apes from the miocene? Do you believe they played a significant role in our evolutionary journey? Share your opinions and insights in the comments below.

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References:

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