Scientists Reconstruct Skull of Possible Human Ancestor Using CT Scans
Researchers have reconstructed the well-preserved skull of an ancient European great ape using CT scans, suggesting that it could potentially be one of the earliest ancestors of the human race. The species, known as Pierolapithecus catalaunicus, lived in Europe between 15 and seven million years ago.
The discovery of both the cranium and partial skeleton from the same individual is rare, providing valuable insights into human evolution. Ashley Hammond, associate curator and chair of the American Museum of Natural History’s Division of Anthropology, highlighted the significance of this find, stating that the fossil record is often fragmentary, making it difficult to understand the evolutionary relationships of key fossil apes.
The remains of this ancient great ape were first unearthed in Catalonia, Spain in 2002 and were reported in the journal Science in 2004. Alongside the skull, other bones such as vertebrae, ribs, and parts of the hands and pelvis were also discovered.
Lead author Kelsey Pugh, a research associate at the American Museum of Natural History, emphasized the importance of the skull and teeth in resolving the evolutionary relationships of fossil species. By virtually reconstructing the cranium using CT scans, the researchers found similarities in face shape and size between Pierolapithecus and both fossilized and living great apes.
Co-author Sergio Almécija, a senior research scientist in the Museum’s Division of Anthropology, noted that the cranium of Pierolapithecus is closer in shape and size to the ancestor from which living great apes and humans evolved. This provides further evidence for the idea that this species represents one of the earliest members of the human and great ape family.
The study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, sheds light on the biology and movements of this ancient great ape, indicating it had an upright body and adaptations for arboreal locomotion. The findings contribute to our understanding of human evolution and challenge previous assumptions about the origins of our ancestors.