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Sahelanthropus or 'Sahelpithecus'?

Author

Listed:
  • Milford H. Wolpoff

    (Paleoanthropology Laboratory, University of Michigan)

  • Brigitte Senut

    (Laboratoire de Paléontologie du Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle)

  • Martin Pickford

    (Chaire de Paléoanthropologie et de Préhistoire du Collège de France)

  • John Hawks

    (University of Wisconsin)

Abstract

Beginning with Ramapithecus, there has been a continued search for an ape-like hominid ancestor in the Miocene Epoch. Sahelanthropus tchadensis is an enigmatic new Miocene species, whose characteristics are a mix of those of apes and Homo erectus and which has been proclaimed by Brunet et al. to be the earliest hominid1. However, we believe that features of the dentition, face and cranial base that are said to define unique links between this Toumaï specimen and the hominid clade are either not diagnostic or are consequences of biomechanical adaptations. To represent a valid clade, hominids must share unique defining features2, and Sahelanthropus does not appear to have been an obligate biped.

Suggested Citation

  • Milford H. Wolpoff & Brigitte Senut & Martin Pickford & John Hawks, 2002. "Sahelanthropus or 'Sahelpithecus'?," Nature, Nature, vol. 419(6907), pages 581-582, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:419:y:2002:i:6907:d:10.1038_419581a
    DOI: 10.1038/419581a
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