Scientists have discovered an ancient ape 18 million years old - it changes the theory of human origins

It is about a previously unknown species found from jaw fragments.

Details

The remains of an ancient ape have been discovered in northern Egypt in the Wadi Moghra region. The new species has been named Masripithecus moghraensis.

Despite the fact that the find includes only the lower jaw, scientists were able to identify unique features of tooth and bone structure that were not found in other known species.

Analyses show that this species may have fed mainly on fruit, but was also capable of eating harder foods such as nuts or seeds.

Most importantly, the position of this species on the evolutionary tree. Scientists have concluded that it is closer to modern apes than other known species from the same period.

This casts doubt on the previous hypothesis that the ancestors of modern apes originated exclusively in East Africa.

The new findings indicate that North Africa and the Middle East may have played an important role.

The researchers also suggest that this region may have served as a "bridge" for the spread of ancient apes to Europe and Asia.

Why it's important

The discovery helps us understand more precisely how modern apes and eventually humans were formed.

Scientists note:

• the place of origin of human ancestors may be reconsidered
• North Africa may have played a key role in evolution
• new findings could change the evolutionary picture

Further research in the region could lead to new discoveries.

Background

Early apes were previously thought to have lived mainly in East Africa. However, finds in other regions remain rare, making evolutionary reconstruction difficult.

Fossils from this period are rare, so each new find is significant.

Source

The study is based on the analysis of fossil remains (lower jaw) of an ancient ape about 17-18 million years old, found in Egypt. The material was published in Science (2026).