Human ancestors were ‘swinging from tree branches like chimps’ until at least 4.4 million years ago

Ancestors of modern humans who lived 4.4 million years ago were well-suited to swinging in trees and a life in the branches.  Hand bones of Ardi, a member of the ancient human relative species Ardipithecus ramidus, were compared to modern primates and other extinct human ancestors. It reveals they are ape-like in structure and more suited to … Read more

Humanoid that lived 6 million years ago walked on all fours and may be closer to chimps than humans

A new report challenges the theory that Sahelanthropus tchadensis, a hominid that lived more than 6 million years ago, was our earliest known human ancestor. French paleontologists uncovered a Sahelanthropus in Chad almost two decades ago.  Nicknaming it ‘Toumai,’ they heralded the creature as an early biped — with a skull indicating it had an erect spine.  … Read more

Wild chimps found to be infected with leprosy for the first time 

Wild chimpanzees have been found to be infected with leprosy for the first time, in two locations in West Africa that are separated by hundreds of miles. Experts discovered two wild chimp populations, in Guinea-Bissau’s Cantanhez National Park and Taï National Park in Ivory Coast, that are infected with the disease, as confirmed by faecal samples.   Leprosy – which … Read more

Chimps get fussier about friends as they get older – like humans do

Chimpanzees get more selective over who they spend time with as they get older, new research reveals.  In a study spanning two decades in a Ugandan national park, US experts observed social interactions among 21 wild male chimps, ranging in age from 15 to 58 years.   Both chimps and humans prefer to be around the … Read more

Chimps get fussier about who their friends are as they get older – just like humans do 

Chimpanzees get more selective over who they associate themselves with as they age, new research reveals.  In a study spanning two decades in a Ugandan national park, US experts observed social interactions among 21 wild male chimps, ranging in age from 15 to 58 years.   Both chimps and humans prefer to be around the company … Read more