Researchers discover 4.2 million years old fossil of the smallest monkey in Kenya

18 Jul 2019

Researchers discover 4.2 million years old fossil of the smallest monkey in Kenya

Researchers discover 4.2 million years old fossil of the smallest monkey in KenyaResearchers from the National Museums of Kenya discovered a fossil* of the smallest 'Old World'* monkey.

This monkey lived in Kenya around 4.2 million years ago.

The name of the discovered species is Nanopithecus browni.
 	The size of the monkey is the same as a modern talapoin monkey.

Talapoin is the smallest living 'Old World' monkey species.
 	The weight of a talapoin is about one kilogram.
 	Talapoins are part of a large group of monkeys called Guenons

Talapoins are found in tropical forests in West Central Africa, whereas, Nanopithecus browni was found in dry grasslands in Kanapoi region of Kenya.

Such research helps in understanding the evolution of the humankind and their habitats.

The researchers published their findings in the Journal of Human Evolution.

*fossil: the remains of a prehistoric plant or animal

*The old world is referred to as Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Credit: TCP

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Researchers from the National Museums of Kenya discovered a fossil* of the smallest ‘Old World’* monkey. This monkey lived in Kenya around 4.2 million years […]

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