Ramapithecus: For a time in the

For a time in the 1960s and ’70s, Ramapithecus was thought to be a distinct genus that was the first direct ancestor of modern humans (Homo sapiens) before it became regarded as that of the orangutan ancestor Sivapithecus. With its jaw fragments discovered in India and Kenya, scientists once believed Ramapithecus was a bipedal ape walking the path toward Homo sapiens. For decades, it appeared in textbooks and documentaries as “the missing link” between apes and humans. But as science evolved, so did the story. An in-depth profile of Sivapithecus, including this prehistoric primate's characteristics, behavior, and habitat. Initially discovered in the 1930s in the Siwaliks of India, Ramapithecus was thought to be an early human ancestor due to dental and facial features. However, its classification remains controversial, with some considering it a small-faced ape. Despite limited fossil evidence, Ramapithecus is recognized for its small canines, thick molar enamel, and parabolic dental arcade, traits that suggest a closer relationship to hominids than pongids. Its widespread geographical distribution indicates ...