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

A 17-million-year-old fossil ape named Masripithecus was found in northern Egypt.

The discovery suggests northeastern Africa played a larger role in early ape evolution than previously thought.

The fossil fills a geographical and evolutionary gap, as East Africa was long considered the primary region for ape diversification.

Analysis shows Masripithecus is more closely related to the lineage leading to modern apes than some East African fossils.