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17-Million-Year-Old Ape Fossil Shifts Primate Ancestry Origin

3/27/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Masripithecus moghraensis is a 17-million-year-old early ape fossil found in northern Egypt, implying a North Africa or Middle East origin.
The findings were published March 26 in Science, expanding primate ancestry beyond East Africa.
Paleontologist Shorouq Al-Ashqar led the 2021 study at Wadi Moghra.
The team notes gaps in Africa's early ape fossil record.

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Story summary

Masripithecus moghraensis is a 17-million-year-old early ape fossil found in northern Egypt, implying a North Africa or Middle East origin.
The findings were published March 26 in Science, expanding primate ancestry beyond East Africa.
Paleontologist Shorouq Al-Ashqar led the 2021 study at Wadi Moghra.
The team notes gaps in Africa's early ape fossil record.