The Oligocene (34 to 24 mya) is the age of monkeys. It was a time where ecosystems transitioned into a modern appearance. Continental drift permitted ocean currents to circulate differently, changing global climates and climatic zones. Grasslands and temperate deciduous forests expanded to the northern and southern hemispheres. Palms and other tropical species retreated closer to the equator, and polar ice caps increased, lowering sea levels.
Our best evidence for Oligocene primates comes from the Fayum; a hyper-arid desert in western Egypt, between the Eocene and Oligocene. In the Oligocene, Fayum was warm, wet and seasonal with abundant forest vegetation, wetlands lakes and streams. It contained one of the most diverse primate communities ever documented that included prosimians, omomyids, and anthropoid primates. Several primate species lived there and it is here that we have the most evidence for the evolution of the Anthropoids.
Classic Oligocene Primates
The genus Apidium includes small (about 2 lb), arboreal quadrupeds similar to a squirrel monkey, that appeared around 36 mya. Some researchers believe an animal like it may be ancestral to both platyrrhines and catarrhines.
The genus Aegyptopithecus, appeared somewhat later (33 mya). It was a medium-sized monkey, perhaps as big as a female howler monkey (6 kg or 13.2 lbs). It was likely a diurnal, arboreal quadruped. Aegyptopithecus is most likely an early catarrhine, and may be ancestral to both Old World monkeys and hominoids.
Compare Aegyptopithecus and Apidium to the prosimian and anthropoid specimens provided and complete the table below.
Aegyptopithecus (easy to remember Oligocene Primate name: Egypt = Fayum)
Apidium Fun Fact: Apidium was named for the Egyptian bull god, Apis because early researchers thought it was a tiny cow
Station 4 Reflection Questions:
- How is Apidium similar to a New World Monkey?
- How is Aegyptopithecus similar to an Old World Monkey?
- What kind of emphasis do you think Aegyptopithecus placed on vision? Why?
- Do you think that Aegyptopithecus should be classified as an anthropoid? If so, are they a catarrhine or platyrrhine?
