An 18-million-year-old fossil ape discovered in Egypt offers new clues regarding human origins, according to scientists who published the findings in September 2026. Researchers recovered jawbone fragments and worn teeth at Wadi Moghra, identifying the remains as a new genus and species named Masripithecus moghraensis.
Discovered Jawbone and Teeth Reveal New Primate Genus in Northern Africa
The field work took place between 2023 and 2024, yielding only a limited set of remains. According to lead study author Shorouq Al-Ashqar of Mansoura University in Egypt, the recovery consisted of a number of lower jawbone fragments and several worn teeth. Live Science reported the findings in September 2026.
Researchers determined that these skeletal pieces did not belong to any previously cataloged species. They assigned the specimens to a brand new genus and species, Masripithecus moghraensis. The genus name blends Arabic and Greek roots to mean Egyptian monkey or trickster, while the species name references the Wadi Moghra site where the excavation occurred, as noted by Al-Ashqar.
Evolutionary Tree Placement Links Fossil Ape to Living Primate Ancestors
To understand where the specimen fits in evolutionary history, scientists examined the age and anatomy of various fossil apes alongside genetic data from living primates. According to the study, M. moghraensis sits within the group of living apes just prior to the evolutionary split separating great apes from gibbons and siamangs, also known as small apes.
This positioning indicates that the ancient creature shared close ties with the last common ancestor of modern apes. Erik Seiffert, a study co-author from the University of Southern California, stated that this ancestral population likely inhabited the northern region of the Afro-Arabian landmass.
Did you know? The genus name Masripithecus combines terms from Arabic and Greek to translate roughly as “Egyptian monkey” or “trickster,” reflecting both the geographic location of the find and the complex nature of primate evolutionary history.
Scientific Debate Continues Over Migration and Ancestral Roots
Not all researchers agree on the evolutionary narrative proposed by the study authors. Sergio Almecija, a biological anthropologist from the Miquel Crusafont Paleontological Institute, argued that scientists need to examine more complete fossil specimens before updating theories about the direct ancestors of modern apes.
Meanwhile, David Alba, a paleontologist at the Catalan Institute of Paleontology Miquel Crusafont, noted that the presence of modern-style apes in North Africa and Arabia around that time represents established scientific evidence. Non-human great apes have turned up across Africa and Southeast Asia, while other fossil discoveries confirm they once inhabited West Asia as well. Because small apes also appeared in South and Southeast Asia, Alba suggested that these primates migrated through northeastern Afro-Arabia rather than necessarily originating strictly within that specific zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the Masripithecus moghraensis fossil found?
According to researchers, the fossil fragments were discovered at Wadi Moghra in Egypt during fieldwork conducted between 2023 and 2024.
How old is the Masripithecus moghraensis fossil?
Scientists estimate that the fossil ape is approximately 18 million years old, dating back to a critical window in early primate evolution.
What does the discovery tell us about ape evolution?
Analysis places M. moghraensis in the primate lineage just before the divergence of great apes and lesser apes (gibbons and siamangs), linking it closely to their last common ancestor.
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