Scientists discover a 17-million-year-old ape fossil in Egypt that could rewrite early ape evolution

A new fossil ape named Masripithecus was found in northern Egypt. This discovery suggests northeastern Africa played a larger role in early ape evolution. Previously, East Africa was considered the primary region for ape diversification. The Masripithecus fossil fills a geographical and evolutionary gap in scientific understanding. This find expands the map of early hominoid origins beyond East Africa.