Micropithecus clarki


TAXONOMY:

MORPHOLOGY:
Micropithecus clarki had a dental formula of 2:1:2:3 on both the upper and lower jaws (Fleagle, 1988). This species has relatively large incisors and canines compared to other Miocene apes and has relatively small cheek teeth (premolars and molars) (Fleagle, 1988). The upper molars have a triangular shape and an abbreviated cingula which is unique amongst the early hominoids (Conroy, 1990). This species has a short snout, large orbits and a broad nasal opening much like members of the extant genus Hylobates (Fleagle, 1988). This species is described to have a gibbon-like sulcal pattern (Fleagle, 1988). This species had an average body mass of around 3.5 kilograms (Fleagle, 1988).

RANGE:
Micropithecus clarki was found on the continent of Africa and occurred during the early Miocene (Fleagle, 1988).

REFERENCES:
Conroy, G.C. 1990. Primate Evolution. W.W. Norton and Co.: New York.

Fleagle, J.G. 1988. Primate Adaptation and Evolution. Academic Press: New York.

Last updated: November 16, 2001

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