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A Middle Miocene hominoid from Thailand and orangutan origins

Author

Listed:
  • Yaowalak Chaimanee

    (Paleontology Section, Geological Survey Division, Department of Mineral Resources)

  • Dominique Jolly

    (Palynologie et Paléoenvironnements, I.S.E.M.)

  • Mouloud Benammi

    (Paleomagnetismo, Instituto de Geofisica, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico)

  • Paul Tafforeau

    (Paléontologie, I.S.E.M., cc 064, Université Montpellier II)

  • Danielle Duzer

    (Palynologie et Paléoenvironnements, I.S.E.M.)

  • Issam Moussa

    (Paléontologie, I.S.E.M., cc 064, Université Montpellier II)

  • Jean-Jacques Jaeger

    (Paléontologie, I.S.E.M., cc 064, Université Montpellier II)

Abstract

The origin of orangutans has long been debated. Sivapithecus is considered to be the closest ancestor of orangutans because of its facial–palatal similarities1, but its dental characteristics2 and postcranial skeleton2,3 do not confirm this phylogenetic position. Here we report a new Middle Miocene hominoid, cf. Lufengpithecus chiangmuanensis n. sp. from northern Thailand. Its dental morphology relates it to the Pongo clade, which includes Lufengpithecus4,5, Sivapithecus2, Gigantopithecus6, Ankarapithecus7 and possibly Griphopithecus8. Our new species displays striking dental resemblances with living orangutans and appears as a more likely candidate to represent an ancestor of this ape. In addition, it originates from the geographic area of Pleistocene orangutans. But surprisingly, the associated flora shows strong African affinities, demonstrating the existence of a temporary floral and faunal dispersal corridor between southeast Asia and Africa during the Middle Miocene, which may have played a critical role in hominoid dispersion.

Suggested Citation

  • Yaowalak Chaimanee & Dominique Jolly & Mouloud Benammi & Paul Tafforeau & Danielle Duzer & Issam Moussa & Jean-Jacques Jaeger, 2003. "A Middle Miocene hominoid from Thailand and orangutan origins," Nature, Nature, vol. 422(6927), pages 61-65, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:422:y:2003:i:6927:d:10.1038_nature01449
    DOI: 10.1038/nature01449
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