Algeripithecus

Algeripithecus is an extinct genus of early fossil primate, weighing approximately 65 to 85 grams (2.3 to 3.0 oz). Fossils have been found in Algeria dating from 50 to 46 million years ago.

It was once commonly thought to be one of the oldest simian primates (a group that includes monkeys and apes), and was crucial to the hypothesis that simians originated in Africa. Research on more complete specimens suggest it was instead a strepsirrhine primate, more closely related to living lemurs and lorisoids. However, this is still disputed.

Discovery

Fragmentary fossils were first found in the Glib Formation at the Glib Zegdou locality in Algeria and dated to the Early to Middle Eocene, 50 to 46 million years ago. The holotype was an upper left molar (M²).

Evolutionary history and taxonomy