The Last Primate of North America: A Fascinating Tale
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Gizmodo
Researchers have discovered the origins of a 30-million-year-old primate lineage called Ekgmowechashala philotau, which appeared in North America millions of years after the presumed extinction of all other known primates on the continent. The primate is considered a "Lazarus" species, named after biblical Lazarus, as it reappeared long after its presumed extinction. The study confirms that Ekgmowechashala migrated from Asia to North America during a cool period, most likely via the land bridge Beringia. The researchers established a close phylogenetic relationship between Ekgmowechashala and the Asian primate species Palaeohodites naduensis, confirming the North American primate's origins. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of primates in North America.