Sivapithecus simonsi, a new species of miocene hominoid, with comments on the phylogenetic status of the ramapithecinae
The Ramapithecinae are an extinct, mainly Miocene group of hominoids, whose relationship to modern taxa is disputed. Some regard them as hominids, while others view them as ancestral to Pongo,or even as the group ancestral to both hominids and extant apes. In this paper a systematic revision of Ramapithecinae is undertaken. Sivapithecus sivalensis and Ramapithecus punjabicus are considered the same species, with the former name having priority. A new Indian species, Sivapithecus simonsi,is recognized. Ramapithecine anatomy is reviewed and compared with that of gracile Australopithecus, early and middle Miocene Proconsul and Dryopithecus, and living pongids Pan, Gorilla, and Pongo.Ramapithecines are shown to be much more primitive or "ape-like" than some have argued. Anatomical data are evaluated cladistically with several results. Parallel evolution in the jaws, teeth, and facial structure of hominoids appears to be the rule rather than the exception. Bearing this in mind, nevertheless, from the available evidence of anatomy, ramapithecines are cladistically hominids. © 1982 Plentum Publishing Corporation.
Duke Scholars
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- Behavioral Science & Comparative Psychology
- 3109 Zoology
- 0608 Zoology
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Published In
DOI
EISSN
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Related Subject Headings
- Behavioral Science & Comparative Psychology
- 3109 Zoology
- 0608 Zoology