Maxillae and associated gnathodental specimens of Nacholapithecus kerioi, a large-bodied hominoid from Nachola, northern Kenya

J Hum Evol. 2004 Apr;46(4):365-400. doi: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2003.12.008.

Abstract

The middle Miocene large-bodied hominoid from Nachola, initially attributed to Kenyapithecus, was recently transferred to a new genus and species Nacholapithecus kerioi. The hypodigm of N. kerioi consists of numerous maxillae, mandibles, and isolated teeth, as well as a number of postcranial bones. A detailed description of the previously discovered postcranial material has already been presented. This article aims to give a detailed description of maxillary specimens (including some mandibular fragments associated with them) of N. kerioi collected by the Japan-Kenya Joint Project team during the field seasons of 1982, 1984, and 1986. The maxillary specimens of N. kerioi retain a set of primitive catarrhine features, such as a relatively shallow palate, low position of the anterior zygomatic root, and the lack of enlarged premolars. Yet, compared to the Early Miocene Proconsul, N. kerioi is derived in having a moderately elongated subnasal clivus that appears to have overlapped the hard palate.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Classification
  • Fossils
  • Hominidae / anatomy & histology*
  • Humans
  • Kenya
  • Maxilla / anatomy & histology*
  • Tooth / anatomy & histology