A newly discovered set of 18-million-year-old ape fossils in Egypt is strengthening the case that all modern apes, including humans, trace their origins to Africa.
Researchers say the fossils point to the northern parts of the Afro-Arabian region as a key area in early ape evolution. The finding supports the broader idea that Africa was central to the rise of apes, even if their exact origin point within the continent remains debated.
The fossils belong to a newly identified species, Masripithecus moghraensis. Scientists uncovered them during fieldwork in 2023 and 2024 at Wadi Moghra in northern Egypt. The remains include fragments of a lower jawbone and several worn teeth.
Evidence from an unexpected region
Apes first appeared at least 25 million years ago and later spread across Africa, Europe, and Asia. Over time, only a small group of these early apes gave rise to modern apes, including great apes, gibbons, and siamangs.
Most fossils from this ancestral line have been found in East Africa. That led scientists to view the region as the main center of ape origins.
The discovery suggests that early apes were more widely distributed across Africa than previously thought. Northern Africa may have played a larger role in their evolution.
Shorouq Al-Ashqar, a paleontologist at Mansoura University and lead author of the study, said the find highlights gaps in the fossil record. The research was published March 26 in the journal Science.
Close to the common ancestor
Researchers analyzed the fossils alongside other ape remains and genetic data from living species. Their results place Masripithecus moghraensis near a key point in the ape family tree. The species appears just before the split between great apes, such as humans and chimpanzees, and lesser apes like gibbons.
18-million-year-old fossils from Egypt are reshaping the story of ape evolution, with the newly identified species Masripithecus moghraensis possibly sitting close to the last common ancestor of all living apes. pic.twitter.com/wadVVUlPOu
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) April 1, 2026
This position suggests it lived close to the last common ancestor of all living apes. Study co-author Erik Seiffert of the University of Southern California said the strongest evidence points to northern Afro-Arabia as the likely region where this ancestor lived.
Debate continues
Some researchers remain cautious. Sergio Almécija of the Miquel Crusafont Catalan Institute of Paleontology said the fossils are too limited to support major changes to existing theories. He said more complete remains are needed before scientists revise long-standing views.
Al-Ashqar said the jaw and teeth still provide strong evidence. In mammal studies, dental anatomy often reveals key details about evolution and diet.
A wider African story
Other experts say the findings fit with the broader pattern of ape evolution. Fossil and living apes are linked to Africa and parts of Asia, suggesting early populations moved across connected regions.
David Alba, also from the Miquel Crusafont Catalan Institute of Paleontology, said early apes likely passed through northeastern Afro-Arabia, though that does not confirm where they first appeared.
Researchers say more discoveries in northern Africa could help answer that question. For now, the Egyptian fossils reinforce one key idea: the roots of all modern apes lie in Africa, even if the exact starting point is still being uncovered.
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