New fossil find challenges human evolution theories

Scientists in northern Egypt have unearthed Masripithecus, an 18-million-year-old ancient ape relative that could reshape our understanding of human origins. Found in the desert Qattara Depression, the discovery challenges the long-held focus on East Africa, suggesting early apes—including the lineage that led to modern humans, gorillas, and chimps—may have emerged in the Afro-Arabian region. The specimen dates to a period when land connections enabled species to spread beyond Africa. It highlights vast, unexplored fossil regions like the Congo Basin. While experts agree Africa remains the likely cradle of apes and humans, Masripithecus proves we still have much to uncover—and that the next big evolutionary clue could be hiding somewhere unexpected.

FT