Scientists have uncovered a new type of primate in the Allgäu area.
A couple of years past, archaeologists digging in the Allgaeu area stumbled upon two teeth and a hip bone. Initially, they thought these remains belonged to a small ape. But, upon further analysis, it has been identified that they were from two different primates that lived approximately 12 million years ago.
Interestingly, only humans and primates exist in tropical regions presently. However, during the Miocene period, when the earth was warmer, various primate species also thrived in Europe. While 15 of these species were already known, a 16th one is now discovered. This discovery was made by a team of researchers headed by Madelaine Boehme from the University of Tubingen and the Senckenberg Center for Human Evolution and Palaeoenvironment. These fossils were found within the Allgaeu limestone quarry "Hammerschmiede" where authorities previously discovered the remains of Danuvius guggenmosi, often referred to as "Udo."
The newly found primate is much smaller than the one-meter-tall Danuvius, which this team had previously found. They postulated weighing around ten kilograms. This tiny creature most likely resided in trees and was proficient in climbing. It fed primarily on leaves and, spending most of its time high in the trees. The species, living 11.62 million years ago, was christened Buronius manfredschmidi.
Madelaine Boehme, the leader of this research project, shared her thoughts about the fossils, consisting of only two teeth and a hip bone, possibly from two separate individuals. "They belonged to the tiniest hominid," explaining that they were initially classified as mere remains of an ape. "We put them away at first," but after discovering Danuvius, they re-examined these finds. "Upon closer examination, it became clear that this was not a primitive little monkey, but an evolved primate." The astonishing part, according to Boehme, is the teeny size of the Buronius fossils. "I'm not aware of any smaller hominid. It's the smallest hominid." Also, it was peculiar that they encountered remnants of these two distinct primate categories - Danuvius and Buronius - in a single layer of soil. "Both species cohabited the same geographical region," Boehme said.
According to the research group, the lifestyles of these two primates must have been dissimilar as they didn't compete with each other. Buronius sported a slim tooth enamel corresponding to present-day gorillas, usually consuming leaves and fruits. Conversely, Danuvius featured a thicker enamel similar to that of humans, appearing to be omnivorous. "Our presumption is that Buronius primarily dwelt in trees, whereas the bipedal Danuvius ventured oftentimes from the trees, searching for food in broader territories," explained Boehme.
Boehme envisioned the Allgäu landscape during the Miocene as a mix of beeches, birches, alders, pines, and other woods. The average annual temperature stood at over 20 degrees Celsius, yet still had brief days in the winter. "Though the winters averaged below zero, deciduous trees' leaves were shedding," stated Boehme. As a consequence, Buronius confronted limited nutrition resources, possibly enduring on aged leaves, tree bark, and ant eggs. As for providing a visual image of Buronius, Boehme could only provide her speculation. "Unfortunately, we aren't able to portray Buronius' appearance, as the find lacked an abundance of characteristics to visualize."
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The discovery of Buronius manfredschmidi adds another primate species to the 15 already known, living in Europe during the Miocene period. This tiny primate, weighing around ten kilograms, would have relied on a diet primarily consisting of leaves and fruits due to its slim tooth enamel.
Fossilized monkey remains, initially believed to be mere ape remains, have been found to belong to two distinct primate categories, Buronius and Danuvius, that coexisted during the Miocene era.
