Revisiting the Past: Reconstruction Unveils the Visage of a 12 Million-Year-Old Great Ape

by Tatsuya Nakamura
9 comments
Pierolapithecus catalaunicus reconstruction

Positioned in a sequence, the cranium of Pierolapithecus is displayed in its stages of discovery, initial preparation, and ultimate digital reconstruction. Attribution: © David Alba (initial), Salvador Moyà-Solà (intermediate), Kelsey Pugh (final)

A recent investigation spearheaded by researchers from the American Museum of Natural History, Brooklyn College, and the Catalan Institute of Paleontology Miquel Crusafont has digitally reassembled the largely intact yet impaired skull of Pierolapithecus catalaunicus, a great ape species from approximately 12 million years in the past. This species could be instrumental in elucidating the evolutionary lineage of both great apes and humans. The study was detailed on October 16 in the scientific journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The Significance of Pierolapithecus catalaunicus

Originating from northeastern Spain and initially categorized in 2004, Pierolapithecus catalaunicus was part of a variegated assembly of bygone ape species inhabiting Europe roughly between 15 and 7 million years ago. The species is particularly critical for deciphering the complex evolutionary patterns of hominids (encompassing both great apes and humans), largely due to the availability of both a cranium and partial skeletal remains from the same specimen—an uncommon occurrence in paleontological records.

The primary investigator, Kelsey Pugh, a research associate at the Museum’s Division of Anthropology and also an instructor at Brooklyn College, stated, “The configuration of the skull and dental elements holds paramount significance in delineating the phylogenetic affiliations of extinct species. When we possess such materials in conjunction with skeletal remains, it allows us not merely to position the species accurately within the hominid phylogenetic framework, but also to extrapolate additional aspects of its biology, such as its ecological locomotion.”

Controversies and Discoveries in Evolutionary Theory

Earlier research on Pierolapithecus indicates that an erect body structure likely anteceded the anatomical modifications enabling hominids to swing between and traverse tree branches. Nonetheless, the species’ definitive placement within evolutionary timelines remains a subject of ongoing debate, in part due to the damaged state of the skull.

Co-author Ashley Hammond, associate curator and head of the Museum’s Division of Anthropology, elaborated, “A persistent complication in hominid evolutionary studies is the fragmented and often distorted state of fossil records. Such limitations frequently impede reaching a unified interpretation of the evolutionary affiliations of pivotal fossilized apes, which are crucial for comprehending both ape and human evolution.”

To address these ambiguities, the research team employed computed tomography scans to digitally reassemble the cranium of Pierolapithecus, juxtaposing it with other primate species to assess the evolutionary trajectory of specific facial characteristics. They found that Pierolapithecus exhibits facial resemblances with both extant and fossilized great apes while also possessing unique facial traits absent in other Middle Miocene apes. These findings align with the proposition that this species is among the earliest relatives in the family tree of great apes and humans.

Co-author Sergio Almécija, a senior research scientist in the Museum’s Division of Anthropology, concluded, “A noteworthy conclusion derived from the study’s evolutionary modeling suggests that the skull of Pierolapithecus approximates more closely in form and dimensions to the common ancestor from which present-day great apes and humans descended. Conversely, gibbons and siamangs, known as ‘lesser apes,’ appear to have undergone secondary evolutionary changes, particularly concerning size diminution.”

Reference Citation

Published on 16 October 2023, the study titled “The reconstructed cranium of Pierolapithecus and the evolution of the great ape face” is authored by an interdisciplinary team including Kelsey D. Pugh, Santiago A. Catalano, Miriam Pérez de los Ríos, Josep Fortuny, Brian M. Shearer, Alessandra Vecino Gazabón, Ashley S. Hammond, Salvador Moyà-Solà, David M. Alba, and Sergio Almécija in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2218778120

Additional contributors to the research encompass Santiago Catalano from the Fundación Miguel Lillo (Argentina); Miriam Pérez de los Ríos from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid; Josep Fortuny from the Catalan Institute of Paleontology Miquel Crusafont (ICP); Brian Shearer from New York University; Alessandra Vecino Gazabón from the American Museum of Natural History; Salvador Moyà-Solà from both the ICP and ICREA; and David Alba from the ICP.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pierolapithecus catalaunicus reconstruction

What is the primary focus of the recent scientific study?

The primary focus of the recent scientific study is the digital reconstruction of the skull of Pierolapithecus catalaunicus, a great ape species that lived approximately 12 million years ago. Researchers aim to shed light on the evolutionary lineage of great apes and humans through this study.

Who led the research on the Pierolapithecus catalaunicus skull reconstruction?

The research was led by scientists from the American Museum of Natural History, Brooklyn College, and the Catalan Institute of Paleontology Miquel Crusafont.

Where was the species Pierolapithecus catalaunicus originally found?

The species Pierolapithecus catalaunicus was originally found in northeastern Spain. It was first described in the scientific community in 2004.

What makes this species particularly significant in evolutionary studies?

Pierolapithecus catalaunicus is considered key to understanding the complex patterns of hominid evolution because both a cranium and partial skeletal remains from the same individual are available, which is a rarity in paleontological records.

What techniques were used in the skull reconstruction?

The research team used computed tomography (CT) scans to digitally reassemble the damaged but largely intact cranium of Pierolapithecus catalaunicus.

What did the researchers find about the species’ facial features?

The researchers found that Pierolapithecus catalaunicus exhibits similarities in overall face shape and size with both extant and fossilized great apes. However, it also possesses unique facial traits not found in other Middle Miocene apes.

Where were the findings of the study published?

The findings were detailed in the scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and the study was published on October 16.

Who are the additional contributors to this research?

Additional contributors to the research include scientists from the Fundación Miguel Lillo (Argentina), Universidad Complutense de Madrid, New York University, and other institutions.

Does the study resolve ongoing debates about the species’ evolutionary place?

While the study adds valuable insights, it does not entirely resolve the ongoing debates about the definitive evolutionary placement of Pierolapithecus catalaunicus due to the damaged state of the skull.

What are the broader implications of the study?

The study holds broader implications for understanding the evolutionary relationships and biological aspects of both great apes and humans, as it sheds light on one of the earliest known members of their common family tree.

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9 comments

Nina Lewis October 19, 2023 - 10:30 pm

I’m not an expert in this but still, its hard to wrap your head around the complexity of evolution. its really something.

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Robert Johnson October 20, 2023 - 12:25 am

Fascinatin article but it leaves me wonderin’. How accurate is this really? I mean, we’re talkin about millions of years.

Reply
Tom Wilson October 20, 2023 - 4:27 am

Does anyone know how this fits into the whole human-ape debate? Seems like important stuff for that conversation.

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John Smith October 20, 2023 - 5:13 am

Wow, this is mind-blowing! To think we can digitally reconstruct a face that’s 12 million years old. the future is now people.

Reply
Mike Thompson October 20, 2023 - 8:38 am

I always thought evolutionary science was just about Darwin n’ stuff. Had no idea we’ve advanced to this level, reconstructing ancient skulls n all. Super cool!

Reply
Clara Anderson October 20, 2023 - 9:29 am

This kinda research just opens so many doors for us to understand where we come from. Its like piecing together a super old puzzle.

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Emily Brown October 20, 2023 - 9:45 am

What an amazing research! can’t wait to see what else they find out about our evolutionary roots. science rocks!

Reply
Paul Davis October 20, 2023 - 6:38 pm

so they used CT scans huh. Wonder what would happen if they used MRI or somethin. any thoughts?

Reply
Sarah Williams October 20, 2023 - 7:27 pm

I’m just blown away by the tech used. CT scans to rebuild a prehistoric skull? thats next level!

Reply

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