Controversial Study Challenges Origins of Human and Ape Ancestors in Africa

A controversial study suggests that the ancestors of African apes and humans may have first evolved in Europe before migrating to Africa. The discovery of hominine fossils in Europe and Anatolia has led some researchers to argue that hominines originated in Europe and later dispersed into Africa. The study analyzed a newly identified ape fossil from Turkey, suggesting that it lived in a dry forest similar to early humans in Africa. However, other experts argue that recent analyses do not support the idea of hominines originating in Europe. Further research in Africa and Eurasia is needed to clarify this matter.