Great apes are usually associated with large size, but a recent discovery has shed light on what might be the smallest great ape known to date. Paleontologists have identified a new primate species named Buronius manfredschmidi, which lived in prehistoric Germany approximately 11.6 million years ago. The discovery was made based on the fossils of two teeth and a kneecap found at a site in southern Germany.
Initially, researchers were unsure of the identity of the fossils, as they were small in size. The first tooth and kneecap were discovered in 2011, but it wasn’t until 2015 when more fossils were found at the same site that the researchers were able to piece together the puzzle. The discovery of another ape species named Danuvius guggenmosi helped researchers differentiate between the two species.
One of the distinguishing features between Buronius and Danuvius was the size and details of their molars. The molars of Buronius were significantly smaller than those of Danuvius, indicating a considerable size difference between the two species. Additionally, the enamel of the Buronius molar was much thinner than that of Danuvius, suggesting that Buronius had a diet consisting of softer foods like leaves.
The discovery of these ancient ape fossils provides valuable insights into the prehistoric ecosystem where they lived. The area in Bavaria where the fossils were found was a flat, swampy landscape with seasonal changes in vegetation. Despite the seasonal food scarcity, the apes managed to coexist by selecting different types of food. This adaptability and resourcefulness highlight the ability of primates to partition niche space and coexist in diverse environments.
While more research is needed to fully understand the relationships between the different ape species found at the site, the discovery of Buronius and Danuvius opens up new possibilities for studying the ancient relatives of modern apes. The detailed analysis of the fossils provides a glimpse into the lives of these small great apes and how they adapted to their changing environment over millions of years. Through continued exploration and discovery, researchers hope to uncover more secrets of our evolutionary past.
