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Study Reveals Primates Evolved in Cold Climates, Not Tropics

8/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A groundbreaking study from the University of Reading uncovers that primates actually evolved in chilly, seasonal climates 66 million years ago, rather than the expected warm tropical forests. By analyzing fossil data, researchers traced their roots to North America, shedding light on how these ancient adaptations could guide modern species in navigating today's climate challenges.

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Story summary

A groundbreaking study from the University of Reading uncovers that primates actually evolved in chilly, seasonal climates 66 million years ago, rather than the expected warm tropical forests. By analyzing fossil data, researchers traced their roots to North America, shedding light on how these ancient adaptations could guide modern species in navigating today's climate challenges.