Ancient Ape Skull Found in Turkey Challenges Belief of African Origins of Human and Ape Ancestors
A recent discovery of an ancient ape skull in Cankiri, Turkey, is challenging the long-standing belief that the ancestors of humans and apes originated solely in Africa. The partial skull, belonging to a species known as Anadoluvius turkae, is estimated to be around 8.7 million years old, according to a study published in the journal Communications Biology.
The finding contradicts the commonly held view that early hominins, including humans, African apes, and their fossil ancestors, appeared in Africa around seven million years ago. The presence of the ape skull in Turkey suggests that hominins may have initially evolved in Europe before migrating to Africa.
Professor David Begun, a paleoanthropologist from the University of Toronto and co-senior author of the study, highlights the significance of the discovery. He explains, “Our findings further suggest that hominins not only evolved in western and central Europe but spent over five million years evolving there and spreading to the eastern Mediterranean before eventually dispersing into Africa, probably as a consequence of changing environments and diminishing forests.”
However, not all scientists are convinced by this theory. Professor Chris Stringer, research leader in human evolution at the Natural History Museum in London, believes that the focus should remain on the evidence suggesting hominins originated in Africa from ape ancestors unlike any species alive today.
To definitively prove the theory that hominins originated in Europe and migrated to Africa, researchers suggest the need for additional fossils from both continents dating back to the seven to eight million-year-old timeframe.
The recently discovered ape skull provides valuable insights into the life of this ancient species. Researchers estimate the ape would have weighed between 110 and 130 pounds, lived in a dry forest environment, and spent a considerable amount of time on the ground.
Although the skull was discovered in 2015, its significance has only now been revealed through the publication of this research. The findings open up new avenues for further investigation and understanding of our evolutionary history.
While this discovery challenges the prevailing belief regarding the African origins of humans and apes, it adds another layer to the complex puzzle of our ancient ancestors. As research continues and more evidence comes to light, scientists hope to gain a clearer understanding of our shared evolutionary heritage.