Recording-2025-03-12T11:29:15.707Z

Timeline of Primate Evolution

Overview

• Primates evolved over millions of years, with significant milestones occurring during the geological epochs.

• Emphasis on understanding the evolution of both monkeys and apes through detailed periods of radiation.

Paleocene Epoch (Around 50-60 Million Years Ago)

• Fossil Forms of Early Primates

  • Early primate fossils resembled modern prosimians.

  • Example: Carpolestes simpsoni – displayed some primate characteristics, such as grasping hands and feet but was overall primitive.

Anthropoid Evolution

• First Anthropoids

  • First anthropoids appear later in the timeline.

  • Led to significant changes in primate lineage.

Major Radiation Events

• Radiation of Anthropoids (Approximately 45 Million Years Ago)

  • Significant diversification of monkeys and apes.

  • Notable separation into two distinct groups: one in South America and another in the Old World.

  • Unexplained colonization of South America after continent split remains a mystery.

• Miocene Epoch (Around 20 Million Years Ago)

  • Major radiation of hominoids (ape-like creatures) predates the significant radiation of Cercopithecoidea (monkey-like creatures).

  • Early hominoids flourished before monkey diversification.

  • Over time, species diversity shifted with more monkey species existing today compared to ape species.

Evolution of Hominids

• Origin of Hominid Family

  • Emerged approximately 10 million years ago.

• Genus Homo

  • Arrival of the genus Homo around 3 million years ago.

  • Details to be discussed in human evolution lectures.

Recent Discoveries in Primate Evolution

• 2013 Discovery

  • Paleontologists discovered well-preserved skeleton of a tiny tree-dwelling primate named Archaesibus achilles (not required to memorize the name).

  • Fossil dated to approximately 55 million years ago, from what is now Central China, representing the oldest known fossil primate skeleton.

Conclusion

• The field of primate evolution is continuously evolving with new discoveries adding to our understanding of the timeline.